At least Dh50-Dh100 million is lost in transactions annually because most consumers leave without their fils after making purchases in supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations, a Gulf News investigation has revealed.

A shopper checks out the prices of goods at the Lulu hypermarket in Abu Dhabi.Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News

An approximation based on reader feedback puts the average money lost in transactions due to shortage of one, Image Credit: Zarina Fernandes/Gulf News

Shoppers are spoilt for choice at the Carrefour in Deira City Centre, Dubai.Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

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Dubai: A bottle of milk for Dh4.85, cashewnuts for Dh19.60 and carrot cake for Dh7.95. These were some of the everyday items I shopped for last week, at various supermarkets and hypermarkets in Dubai and Sharjah.

When my turn came for billing, I politely asked for the exact change back at each of them.

At the first hypermarket, where my bill came to Dh11.85, I tendered a Dh100 note but the cashier said the bill was being rounded off to Dh12. When I demanded that she also account for the 15 fils, she handed me back 25 fils and a rather disdainful look.

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It’s one of the rarest moments for consumers across the UAE when they see the shining face of a 5 fils or a 10 fils coin.

Most supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and other retailers often don’t bother to tender them to customers even if change is due, and many don’t even keep them as they find the small-sized coins too cumbersome to handle. But this widespread malpractice is leaving residents shortchanged by a massive margin.

Video: Where's my change?

An approximation based on reader feedback puts the average money lost in transactions due to shortage of 1, 5 and 10 fils at Dh10 per month per household.

With an estimated total of between 500,000 to 800,000 households in the UAE, the gross money lost by customers in the process is between Dh5 and 8 million, which works out between Dh50-Dh100 million per year.

Residents say that since almost every business in the country charges customers to the actual fils despite the fact 5 fils and 10 fils are not in wide circulation, it amounts to hidden money shoppers are forced to pay.

Feyaza Khan from Radio 2 went in search of those elusive coins and got more than she asked for...Listen!

Most hypermarkets, supermarkets, shops and other outlets said the standard practice is to round off to the last 25 fils or the next 25 fils of the bill amount.

For example, if a customer runs up a bill of Dh175.85 or Dh175.90 at a retail outlet, his total chargeable bill amount would be either Dh175.75 or rounded off to Dh176, varying from one shop to another.

Retailers say the rounding off practice is a good one for accounting purposes and they are certainly not profiteering from this because if the customer’s total bill amount were say, Dh176.15 or Dh176.10, they will be asked to pay only Dh176. However, consumers strongly disagree.

Ali Khan from Pakistan said he bought items worth Dh25.15 and the cashier charged him 10 fils extra. “I said to her where is my 10 fils? She said 10 fils are not available,” Khan said.

“The supervisor at the hypermarket came to solve the problem and offered me 25 fils instead,” he said. Ali Khan said he took the 25 fils and left. “I know they are making a lot of money out of the extra fils they take from customers,” he said.

Another customer at a hypermarket chain in Dubai said he bought one item for Dh12.35. “I gave the cashier Dh15, and the balance due was Dh2.65. I received back Dh2.50 instead,” he said. “We are forced to pay extra money. I have no clue what they do with this money,” he said.

“I think there should be clear cut policy regarding small change, the shopper should not be denied his/her rightful money. I wonder how much these supermarkets make from not giving back the change,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a shopper at a leading supermarket in Abu Dhabi.

Most supermarkets, hypermarkets and major retail outlets interviewed by Gulf News admitted the price of many items end in the odd fils. A sales superviser at Carrefour said 10 and 5 fils were not available and “most customers usually ask us why we charge them extra fils”.

A woman cashier at a Union Cooperative in Dubai said: “Customers ask us why we add 20, 40, 95, 80 and other fils… I have no clue why it is like that.”

Amal, an Emirati government employee, said when she goes for shopping she only uses her debit card. “I use only my debit card because in this way I do not pay such extra money,” he said. “For debit/credit cards they deduct the specific amount we purchase, no less no more,” she said.

V. Nandakumar, manager of corporate communications at EMKE Group, which runs the Lulu chain of hypermarkets in the UAE, said they round off the bills to the nearest amount of the bill value.

“This works both ways and the law of averages makes sure that nobody loses or gains from this. We can’t streamline the pricing to avoid the small change, mainly because of the fresh and perishable commodities, as these are priced as per the weight and are not pre-packed with fixed prices.”

Not every retailer or supermarket, however, follows the practice of not accepting or returning 5 fils and 10 fils: there are exceptions too.

Kamal Vachani, Group Director at Al Maya, which operates 30 supermarkets in the UAE, said their customers are billed the exact purchase amount.

“We give the change back to the customers. There is no difficulty in sourcing 5 fils or 10 fils coins, they are not in short-supply,” he added. The Abu Dhabi Cooperative also said they accept and return 5 fils and 10 fils coins to customers.

However, as matters stand, because of the dearth of awareness and small change as well retailers not tendering exact change, most shoppers in the UAE are still more likely to say at cash counters - “keep the change”, rather than making every fils count.

So the next time you are out shopping, don’t leave without your 10 fils.

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Comments

174 Comments

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Sreejesh

Apr 10, 2011 5:38

I have experienced this issue many times. Then I have decided to use only debit or credit cards for purchases. Sometimes for small purchases I pay cash and loose 5 to 20 fils.
I disagree with Mr. Kamal Vachani, Group Director at Al Maya's statement. On many occasions they haev charged me more than the bill amount due to non availability of 5 or 10 fils. On one occasion I have asked the cashier at a store in Reef mall, Deira to return my 15 fils. She said sorry sir, we do not have 5 and 10 fils and she offered me 25 fils.
It is a good idea, having 5 and 10 fils coins at every outlet so the customer will get back his exact balance.

Huzaifa

Apr 10, 2011 5:34

In my opinion, there are lots of other serious issues to be addressed. If the person is really intrested in getting the exact change back, better keep some 5, 10, 25 and 50 fills in their pocket so they can offer round off their transactions. This issue simply seems to be media hype.

Ajay P A

Apr 10, 2011 5:14

I didn't even know until now that 10 fils prevail in market. I was of the belief that the smallest coin was 25 fils. OMG, how much hard earned money I have lost?

jena

Apr 10, 2011 5:00

I think supermarkets or any other stores should provide and give back the exact change to the consumer so the consumer can use those fils for the item they will purchase in other store. That will probably help both consumers and retailers.

abdul jaleel

Apr 10, 2011 4:53

Yes, the authorities can't stop this matter?
10.95, 7.85, 6.15

Chander Bangera

Apr 10, 2011 4:52

Till now we (buyers) were unaware that this meager amount (which is our right to claim back) runs into millions. Even if we are aware, we don't mind claiming it back as we are so much engrossed in our daily routine, chores and personal commitments. These intermediates indeed cash in huge sums of money, which is going unnoticed. It seems that the pricing system of items is done deliberately in such a way that retailers can always give an excuse to consumers on unavailability of exact change and consumers end up with an option to forgo, treating it as a mere amount. Authorities should look into this and set proper pricing systems based on the denomination of currency existing in the economy. Based on consumers interest, a regulatory system needs to be formed to monitor this misappropriation consistently. Consumers please beware.

Ali

Apr 10, 2011 4:52

The strategy of pricing goods just short of a rounded off figure started due to a coin shortage years ago (in the west) and has just caught on as a habit even now. However, the practise of not returning change to the last fil is something businesses need to correct. The customer is on the losing end. As always! In the Subcontinent this is made good by offering a toffee in place of the smaller currency coin (the toffee no doubt being of far lower value than what is due back). Ss rightly put, most businesses must be making quite a packet with this concept of rounding off to the last 25 fils, with the customer always getting less than his or her due.

Mughis Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 4:42

Retailers are pocketing this money for nothing. If we calculate the net value based on the volume of retail operations in the UAE, it would be hundreds of thousands of dirhams per week. Some regulatory authority intervention is desired.

Om

Apr 10, 2011 4:39

I am here for the past 10 years and I have never seen 5 or 10 fils denominations. All supermarkets cheat the customers by rounding off the small balance and they keep it in their till. Who gave them this authority? Will they accept it if I pay the same 15 fils or 30 fils less for the bill?
I used to fight at every store almost weekly for this issue. My wife said that I am the only person in this country who fights everytime I go shopping. Now I realise that there are more people like me.
My money is always for me. This is a kind of daylight robbery and you come ourtsheepishly and ignore it.
Let us raise this issue through facebook and Twitter and make supermarkets and hypermarkets do their service properly.

keza

Apr 10, 2011 4:37

I guess in most of the supermarkets and hypermarkets people don't count the fils. All those fils even the cashier is not allowed to take and moreover if one item cost you Dh10 and 10 fils, I don't see a single cashier deducting Dh10 and 25 fils. The cashier collects only Dh10, but I see a wrong notion to the customer who count in fils. Shame on you.

Syed N Ali

Apr 10, 2011 4:29

I raised this shortchange issue in 1993 in Dubai and got confused and mixed responses from retailers and I am glad at last Gulf News covered the story and sadly still the retailers are mixed and confused.

Saba Aizaz

Apr 10, 2011 4:27

Even I have being cheated out of 5 and 10 fils, not to mention 20 fils. I knew of the existance of these coins, but malls always issue a statement that they don't have change. So now I don't ask. I wonder how many dirhams they have cheated the customers with and gotten away with it? Thank you for highlighting this issue and reminding me to start asking for my change.

Mathew K Isaac

Apr 10, 2011 4:18

The fraction of Dirhams which cannot be given back or asked seems to be like pricing with "catch for the customer". In terms of shouting aloud that the price is less than 10, which is like double digits and values more in terms of value, but the same looks better priced, if the value shown is 9,95. This is now a practice with majority of retailers. But who asks back the change these days? I asked once and was looked at as "out of the present generation", so have given up. It is ideal if all are charged exact to the fils and without rounding off, as it is adding up additional burden on the total bill.

Sridhar

Apr 10, 2011 3:50

WE MUST USE ONLY PLASTIC AS PAYMENT METHOD.

MK

Apr 10, 2011 3:46

Thank you, Gulfnews! This article is quite interesting. I am here for the past 3 years. I thought the UAE didn't have 5 and 10 fils as I haven't seen one to date. I have never ever got my exact change from the supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Kiran Karkera

Apr 10, 2011 3:40

I worked for 14 months in Dubai [2005-6] and later was transfed to Abu Dhabi. When I saw the gold coloured coins of 5 and 10 fils, I was shocked and thought that I won some gift coupons from the Abu Dhabi Co-Op. Later I realized, that's my exact change. I never saw those in Dubai.

Sabith PV

Apr 10, 2011 3:06

The selling price is decided by sellers. I think no need to raise up this issue. It will not help customers becasue sellers may round goods prices to next 25 fils and avoid such problem at the counter. If they (sellers) rounded selling price, of course they will round up. It means we are going to pay rounded amount for each item which we purchase. For example, if we purchased 10 items then we will pay aproximate Dh1 extra. So, it is better to avoid discussion about 10 fils of customers. If I am a customer, leave 10 fils with positive attitude. Let sellers spend such extra collected amount in moral ways.

Parvez

Apr 10, 2011 2:48

Yes, Abu Dhabi Co-operative always gives back those changes in 10 and 5 fils accurately. Role model for others.

Namrata

Apr 10, 2011 2:28

Many times the bills are rounded off, saying balance will be transfered to charity account of shop. Not sure if it happens though.

Vijay

Apr 10, 2011 2:28

What Kamal Vachani of Al Maya said is not true. I have purchased many times from this market in Naseer square and I never got my exact change back. They just round off to next 25 fils.

Ben

Apr 10, 2011 2:15

Use your credit card and avoid the problem

Ihsan

Apr 10, 2011 2:14

Charity organisations can use this opportunity along with the assistant of relevantauthorities to collecet this 5 Fils and 10 Fils. Charity organisations should issue small tickets to all supermarkets. Supermarkets should issue these tickets to the customers for these 5, 10 and 15 fils. At the end of month, charity organiastions can collect total amount from the supermarkets. I feel this will be a good option.

Aziza

Apr 10, 2011 2:07

I knew about the 10 fils when I came here to the UAE in 2003 and at that time I ahd just seen them at one place in Al Ain where they used to return the exact change of your bill. After I shifted to Dubai I never saw any of the supermarkets and hypermarkets returning you 5 fils or 10 fils. I thought maybe the authorities have stopped this 5 fils and 10 fils, that is why they don't return our exact change back or else I am such a person sometimes I don't leave a penny when it comes to our hard earn money. This is really great to know that someone has raised their voice against this and I totally support this of asking your exact change back. And I really hate those who just want to leave their change just because they don't bother and because of this kind of people the others have to suffer.

Ali Jaddy

Apr 10, 2011 2:02

A simple solution for everyone involved is to advise the markets, all outlets and hotels to make prices in denominations which can be easily refunded! What is Dh9.95? Make it Dh10.00 or 9.75! Maybe the authorities can take the lead and make it mandatory to invoice the customers in the above way!

Gandhi

Apr 10, 2011 1:56

I am working with big retail chain in the UAE in accounts for four years. No one will make this much money from this difference. This article is good to read, but praticially it will not work and you make to pay more cost than benefits.

Nath

Apr 10, 2011 1:44

This is a shocker. I have been in the UAE for almost four months now. I thought the UAE never had 5 or 10 fils coins. I never received 5 or 10 fils change so far.

Eugenia

Apr 10, 2011 1:37

Every 5 and 10 fils makes a lot of difference for a normal earning person. If counted, you could buy something with it at the end of the month. Groceries and supermarkets don't give out 5, 10 or 25 fils even if they have. But if you don't have that denominations they take the full amount. So the groceries and supermarkets are in profit and we, who earn the hard way out for every single penny, are at a loss.

Raf

Apr 10, 2011 1:35

Being born and brought up here, I never knew that 5 and 10 fils even existed. Never got the change from any mall or supermarket. Thanks for letting me know about it. Since its small change I actually don't bother as well.

Harish

Apr 10, 2011 1:34

I never even knew that 5 fils and 10 fils coins existed here in the UAE. But the authorities should find a solution for this menace. The consumers should no be overcharged.

Mohammed

Apr 10, 2011 1:31

I have had the same experience. Once I purchased some soft drinks and snacks from a fuel station. The cashier simply rounde my total bill. When i asked for 25 fils she told me she didn't have change. Then I told her it is not my problem and I told her to call her supervisor. Also, I gave a small caclulation: 100 customers a day = Dh25; 25x100 outlet = Dh2,500; 2,500x 1 yrear = Dh912,500. Where you accounting this amount? Finally I got my balance of 25 fils.

Shirin

Apr 10, 2011 1:29

The only time I have got my balance back correctly was when I shopped from Abu Dhabi Co-operative. To be frank, my husband and I were suprised.

M Deen

Apr 10, 2011 1:29

Thanks Gulf News for the valuable advise.
It is not only 10 fils. In capital many supermarkets round to nearest dirham, even for payment by credit card. Most cahiers do not respect customers. So, customers ignore asking the question “Why?”
Though there are many agencies to protect customer rights still it is the very minimum customer get from them.

Aziz

Apr 10, 2011 1:21

I do not mind leaving 5, 10 or 20 fils and I have never bothered so far. But now i have to. I want to have these 5, 10 and 20 fils coin. I collect currency. Thanks for those people who commented and mentioned where these are available in Abu Dhabi. I am excited!

salil

Apr 10, 2011 1:14

Five and ten fils coins are avilable enough. Need clarification from authorities.

Shuja Ali

Apr 10, 2011 1:12

It's really grate news that from now all people's hard earned money will not be in vain, rather it will be back to you.
Thanks to all higher authorities and all other persons who brought this mater to notice.
I was a resident of Dubai for three years and I LOVE MY DUBAI and miss my favourite country and city where I lived and worked for three years.
Thanks
BR,
Shuja Ali

sharon

Apr 10, 2011 1:09

I have been shopping from certain supermarkets, but never received fils from them. Instead when I get bills like 60 fils they always charge 75 wherein customers always loose 15 fils, and when demanding for your fils cashiers always give this hideous look on their face. I think people should review these supermarkets since they tend to overprice their items as well, compare with other supermarkets.

Preety

Apr 10, 2011 1:05

Thank you, Gulf News!! This is an intellectual, useful artical that can benefit the whole community and the direction to the authorities to develope consumer rights policies. You have shown such a wise calculation of an ordinary man losing his hard earned money so easily and people who own these super stores to be in competition to be in top of the list of richest people in world by taking away extra 5, 10, 20 fills from their customers' pocket. Isn't it strange!

K.P. MUHAMMAD

Apr 10, 2011 1:05

In Abu Dhabi only Abu Dhabi Co-operative and Society give away the balance of 5 and 10 fils and accept the same. All others are cheating the customers by not giving or accepting 5 and 10 fils.

Raza

Apr 10, 2011 12:58

This is a petty good article and all are going through this very much. Even in Al quoz leading chain of supermarkets are not giving the balance 25 fils and are giving chocolates, which don't even have the value to be in the trash bin. And we can't question it. It has to be eradicated

Arun Sivaparasad

Apr 10, 2011 12:57

Only after reading this article I came to know that 5 and 10 fils are on board. And the most worst thing is that I have been living here for the past two years. Anyway, thanks for such an informative article.

sara

Apr 10, 2011 12:56

I agree with Norman.
If it's ok for the customer to pay extra, then it should be ok for us to pay less to the retailer!

Aftab Haider

Apr 10, 2011 12:46

The simple solution is to pay via credit card. You cannot be charged extra!!!

Suhail Akhtar

Apr 10, 2011 12:42

Well I always use credit or debit cards for purchasing from supermarkets. Why should I hand over the hard earned money? A single fil to somebody else and especially to these supermarkets who are anyway making huge profits. There have been chances that the salesman try to act smart by deducting the round figure from my cards, but I immediately stop them and tell them to correct it.

Abdul Jaleel MV Pallipparamba

Apr 10, 2011 12:42

Not only 10 fils, even 25 fils! Some supermarkets offer Chewing Gum instead of 25 fils.

joe

Apr 10, 2011 12:39

It's not only supermarkets but exchanges who round off fils above 50 fils to the next dirham. For example Dh151.51 customers have to pay Dh152.

Manish

Apr 10, 2011 12:38

The problem with Taxi drivers is worse. They do not return 25 fils or 50 fils change unless asked. They often grudge about returning the change even if they have - giving excuse that they they have to work 10 to 12 hours to meet their huge targets. They often get sympathy from passengers and are excused to keep the change. Their grievances may be true, but so are the grievances of passengers. The authorities need to investigate.

Malinson Fernandes

Apr 10, 2011 12:32

I must say Al Maya group of supermarkets have always amazed me , by giving me back 25 fils when i need to get only 10 or 15 fils back , which most retailers dont even bother.

Keith

Apr 10, 2011 12:28

I didn't even know that 10fils and 5 fils coins existed and i have been living here for just about 3 years!!!

JJ

Apr 10, 2011 12:28

Thanks, Gulfnews. These are the real problems faced by common man. I really appreciate your article, and looking forward to see more such items. It's not only in super/hyper market, but some sales person at petrol pumps also do the same. They stop the oil nostril at currency fraction saying the tank is ful, and round off the payment to their favour. People need awareness. Never let a hard earned penny lose fear of losing our esteem. People must understand that those people are exploiting our low self esteem, infact.

Ramzanali Shaikh

Apr 10, 2011 12:27

i do belive that every customer has a right to get his money back,i mean the change, if retailers donot forfit the change or the fils then why should the customer forfit. i belive the UAE consumers should be made aware of this, every fil is necessary and important. i am really greatful to the person and Gulf News who have highlighted this important matter and i would highly recomend all the consumers to please ask for your rights as these are small thing which lead to major problems in future.

Kat

Apr 10, 2011 12:22

The HyperPanda supermarket in Dubai Festival City has a unique way of dealing with small change. This is the only place I have come across in the U.A.E. where they donate the small change to charity, and they ask you before printing the receipt if its alright to do so. If you want your change back, they will return it. The amount donated is also printed on the receipt. I personally don't mind not getting back these 10 and 5 fils. Speaking from past experience, the number of these small coins that you have to collect and then the hassle of exchanging them for larger tender or even finding a place where they accept these small coins is just not worth it. But thats just personal opinion.

Rajeev

Apr 10, 2011 12:10

This was a wonderful message. I have been in the UAE for the past 3 years. I sincerely thought UAE didn't have coins below 25fils and I haven't seen one till date. This is amazing.

Imran

Apr 10, 2011 12:08

Apart form this cheating on change, there is another matter which I think one must drag under light, which is the increasing prices? I have been living in Dubai since last two years and regularly monitoring the prices of difference commodities are increasing periodically within very short span of time. Though this change/hike is not significant but if you compare the prices within an year span this hike is quite significant. I dont know if there is some price control mechanism or these prices changes are un monitored and are at the discretion of the seller..... but this is alarming and there should be some control on this...

Mitesh

Apr 10, 2011 12:05

If people have a problem with prices like AED 9.90 or AED 4.85 they could just be rounded off to AED 10 or AED 5. but them people should realize that when they buy a larger qauantity these fils save them a lot. lets take some item which is for AED 9.90 in a supermarket what if u need 10 nos. of that item? would you rather pay 99 or 100? seriously if everyone makes a fuss about 5 or 10fils, 100 fils is a large amount. so i guess its not a that big of a deal paying 25 fils extra when on the plus side the awkwardly prices products actually save you money.

Norman

Apr 10, 2011 12:05

It is petty..if you receive gum as part of your change, next time pay the cashier back with gum as part of your payment

Khurram Asif

Apr 10, 2011 11:54

i think this is a petty article and petty awareness subject. Surely the people demanding 10-15 fills back fromn cashier have no larger priorities in their lives!

Ingrid

Apr 10, 2011 11:49

Thank you Gulf News for this awareness. However, there is one more similar form adopted by a number of retail outlets (food and supermarkets together) i.e. to offer gum or some kind of candy in place of change. One should be firm and refuse the offer as it is not worth compared to what you pay for for a regular doughnut.

Adnan Amir

Apr 10, 2011 11:49

It would be interesting to know the store policy related to returning change, whether the store would return exact, more or less change should be displayed. Maybe it is a wrong doing on part of cashiers, at the end of their duty they need to match the cash collected to the amount billed. All these 5,10,15 fils might end up in their pocket. I would not like to have chewing gum instead. Better use debit cards.

Merin

Apr 10, 2011 11:46

This article was a very important because i never used to ask even for the minute 10 , 5 fils ! at times i really was desperate 2 ask because whatever we pay should always be the worth of money and also should meet our satisfaction levels!! what suprises me is that does the banks issue fils as such because till date i havent seen even one !!
thankyou gulf news 4 reporting this article 2 us !!
im sure " if we take care of the fils, the dhs will take care of us "

Sandya D Souza

Apr 10, 2011 11:45

Even the taxi drivers also dont give us 25 fils back, they always take in the denominations of 50 fils. but if the taxi fare comes upto 10.25 they ask us for 25 fils also. I would urge the authorities to see in this matter also very carefully.

Sandya

Apr 10, 2011 11:40

Except for Abu Dhabi Co-operative society in Abu Dhabi, i have not seen anyone tendering 10 or 5 fils back and i dont bother to ask it back, because all are doing the same thing, but if dont have change they dont leave even a single fil. I feel all the figures shd be rounded off to 25 fils which are mostly in circulation.

John

Apr 10, 2011 11:39

Even if rounded figures are there, you cannot weigh exact Kilo, and the pricing will be in fractions. No need to worry so much about these fils and the bill will be a total of several items. In a month maximum three to four transactions , even if you pay cash, chances are for fifty fills to One Dirham and not Ten Dirhams.

DRK

Apr 10, 2011 11:37

Union Co-operative is doing their best. There are several occasion, I have received coins lower than 25 fils from the cashier. As my transaction is shifted to credit card, I do not have latest knowledge about this. I still appreciate the practice of union cooperative, they do accept credit card transaction amount lower than Dhs10.00

LUBNA SAQI W/O ABDUL WAHAB

Apr 10, 2011 11:34

yes you are right . Every time when we are going for shopping the person at the counter will not give your change back and if you ask for 10 fils or 15 fils first they just look at you like you are asking for their money and then said that we round off the amount.
It happens with me in every hypermarket or retail store .I am living in UAE for last 29 years and never ever i got my change back .Some time when i purchased like 50 dhs or more i paid from my debit card , but when i purchase small things they are asking to pay cash and they will not give you back your change.
I thanks Gulf News to open this article , from now onward i will not leave even my 1 fils and i wants other to follow the same and ask for their right.

Nirmal

Apr 10, 2011 11:24

It depends on person to person, like me i dont mind if it is rounded off to nearest dirham in the favor of shopkeeper. However if it matters for someone he has all the right to get tendered to the exact amount and cashiers must be trained to behave respectfully with all customers.

Vijay Dudeja

Apr 10, 2011 11:23

I am of the opinion that there are 2 things, first as a matter of principle the writer comments are ok! second is as a matter of practicality. I think if we go as a matter of practicality, it is good to round off. It is not easy to handle small coins of 5 and 10. Moreover, supermarkets do not charge you higher always, they round off 60 to 50 or 80 to 75. They do not demand or complain of short payment. In the present time, the value of these small coins is negligible and hence rounding off makes better sense from practical point of view. I think there are other issues related to quality or duplication of things which may be addressed through consumer forum rather than dragging petty matters.

Ansar

Apr 10, 2011 11:20

some supermarkets they give chocolate or chewing gum which is very low quality for the change. that too for 50 fils or 75 fils.

Anil

Apr 10, 2011 11:19

All the time!!!! Change is gladly swiped away by the cashiers. Just as they had written it above, their expression as such is not great, when asked for a change, they do not even answer properly. Worse yet, it was never take a penny, leave a penny policy. It was always leave a penny policy. I really would like to know how much a supermarket earns with these pennies. That's precisely why, like in North America, do not pay cash. Pay through Card. Supermarkets who do not accept it, should end up paying fines.

Mohsin Sheikh

Apr 10, 2011 11:19

I'm in UAE since 2004 but never heard and never seen 5 or 10 fils coins, this is the first time. I thought they never exist. I also prefer paying with my Debit card.

Anil Jacob

Apr 10, 2011 11:15

And what a pleasent suprise to know after living 9 Years in the country that 10 fils is also availiable. I was aware till today the smallest denomination is 25fils.

Dr. John

Apr 10, 2011 11:12

Thanks for bringing up this issue. Many years ago, I used to get these 5 fils and 10 fils coins as balance amount from a supermarket. But they refused to take them back when I returned the next time as the exact amount. I still do not understand why. I think I still have some of those coins. Most of the time I have complied with the offer by the shops because there were no other choices. I have certain suggestions. Why do these products for have to be priced as 1.90, 2.35 etc? Is it not better to put the labels as 2.00, and 2.50 instead? (ie the denominations of 25 fils). As for the customers, they could use their credit or debit cards to make the payment and avoid paying extra money to the shops.

Jasem

Apr 10, 2011 11:09

How can it be true that the NO one from the authories have come across this situation to take notice of it. They say they are not aware of this practice?? how?? they say they are not aware of the shotage of small coins, how?? I have been living in dubai for the past 27 years, I have never seen any of these small change coins. the authorities have out up posters of "BE RIGHT" every where to increase consumer awareness. They need to start wide circulation of these small coins or ask the companies to stop playing games with consumers!

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 11:08

I am surprised on two things firstly i have never seen 5 or 10 fils being circulated in Dubai though i am living here for more than 3 years now and secondly i am a regular shopper. the supermarkets never ever paid the exact 5 or 10 or 15 fils instead I have always given extra fils to them. I will be careful next time though. So please bring this to the note of the authorities.

Rasheed

Apr 10, 2011 10:59

@Kamal Vachani, Group Director at Al Maya : Sir i would like to bring in your notice that I am regular customer (you can also take it as daily customer). As i shop every small thing from your super market from last 4 yrs as i have satification with your Supermarket at Al Satwa. But i never ever saw your cashier paying me 10 fils or 15 fils . Hope they start doing that & i am going with ask by referring your name..Take it as granted...Thanks

Vahid Fahad

Apr 10, 2011 10:57

some small supermarkets give back chewing gum instead of 25 fils that we don't need.

Mrs. Neaimi

Apr 10, 2011 10:57

Thank you! Brilliant article! I was so wishing someone would open up this subject publicly. I have for so long been annoyed at not getting back my full change, recently I was even given Dh 10 less in Carrefour. I have always waited for them to give my full change and asked for it only to be replied with" we don't have any change". Also, I even had to give Dh1 to the cashier as he wanted Dh25 fills and didn't have change so kept it! many even refuse to take fils.

Khan

Apr 10, 2011 10:57

Its really surprising that 1,5,10,15 or 20 fills really exist. I would like to get back my money and will give the money to the charity as you can see it is million AED at the end of the year from all of us. Thanks to GulfNews to bring this up.

John Caleb

Apr 10, 2011 10:56

this post holds good with all the shops, except for one shop that took me for surprise for that is where i saw a 10 fils coin for the first time ever since I came to UAE ( after almost 3 yrs). It is the AbuDhabi Co-Op at electra street. They somehow seem to have supply of 10 fils regularly and ensure they pay back the exact change / give more ( 25fils).

Bhavesh

Apr 10, 2011 10:49

Yes, this has generally been a practice. I was irritated too in the past. But I get over this by paying by credit or debit card, in this way the exact amount is charged and I collect precious points too.

Faiz

Apr 10, 2011 10:49

Very well done, Gulfnews! It is not a matter of 5 or 10 fils, it is a matter of principle! Some stores persistently 'cheat'. Last Friday, I was not given back 20 fils, when by rounding logic they should have returned 25 fils. This was not a corner grocery store. In the very early days of computerized accounting (1960's), a British oil company programmer lost his job as he had made millions by diverting the fractional penny differences to his account! Let Gulfnews readers come up with a strategy to counter this as people are normally shy to ask for these small amounts. I will be happy to be part of such an initiative. In response to an earlier comment, it would be unwise to change prices to match the availability of coins! Finally, I have greatest respect for the UAE Central Bank, which has a record of making and enforcing very sound monetary and financial policies and decisions. However, this bit that they did not know that there is a shortage of smaller coins, is very disappointing. They are supposed to be monitoring the flow of currency notes and coins.

Sevag

Apr 10, 2011 10:47

USE YOUR CREDIT CARD EVERYWHERE
this is what i do, and i limit my cash carrying almost to non existing.

Sarhoon

pushpa kumara

Apr 10, 2011 10:43

thank you to gulf news reporter .but this is common things in every hyper market ,super market in uae.but i notice union cooprative in abu dhabi they always given small fils change back like 10 fils 20 fils .this should be need to do every shop in the uae .i hope after your news they will start to do that .

KLA

Apr 10, 2011 10:33

5 & 10 fils exists ? This is the first I'm hearing about them in my 7 years here.

Abdullah

Apr 10, 2011 10:33

I've experienced the same almost everytime. I feel that the authorities should fine such markets. They will come to their senses when they will have to pay the money themselves. Another option would be to make rounding off a standard that would work either way for the customer as well as the shops etc.

Ananymous

Apr 10, 2011 10:30

Thanks to Gulf News for creating awareness that "currency less than 25 fils" Exist in UAE. At least I was not aware of. Forget 5 or 10 fils, we often comeout leaving 25 fil change because the cash counters in some of the store do not keep this change or would be "exhausted". I have last seen the coins of 1, 5 and 10 fils at museum and never in the market.

venu

Apr 10, 2011 10:28

Thank you for bringing this subject to the attention of public.I never thought or never seen a coin less than 25 fils.Its very much true that the hypermarket chains will take extra fils from your pocket.if total purchase is 9.65 they will never give you fifty fills back instead they give you 25 fils making it as round figure.This is a clear case of cheating or looting the public without keeping 5 fils or 10 fils.

Kavita R

Apr 10, 2011 10:27

I would suggest that authorities should introduce coins in 10,15...fils or put a ban so that no supermarkets or retail shops can cheat their customers.

Deepak kumar

Apr 10, 2011 10:25

Dear All, Grow up !! What do u do with 10 fils in UAE ???Ok Agreed that small drops make an ocean ... Do u know that every time your car is " ON " at the signal , every minute a FIL is burned .. Everytime you leave your house without switching OFF the A/c , money is wasted ... Everytime you light up a cigarette , money is burnt !! And all we can think of saving 10 - 5 Fils ??? Instead of asking the cashier for the exact return change , why dont you shop with your Card or go to the grocery with the exact change in Hand ??

omar

Apr 10, 2011 10:24

Pay my credit card to be exact payment .. Most of grocery and other use this method to attack people for their market ,, its competition

Aamir Hussain

Apr 10, 2011 10:22

While I see that most of us are cribbing about those 5, 10 or 15 fils I would like to know how many of us are willing to tender exact change at the groceries or the supermarket or any other place for that matter? I think it is a matter of convenience rather than making profits. We have just got used to cribbing about trivial things in the name of consumerism, etc and make a big issue over absolutely nothing. C'mon people grow up we have more important issues in life than these 5, 10 & 15 fils.

Jubith Kariyath

Apr 10, 2011 10:18

thank you gulf news for this article. I am here in dubai for eight years and I never knew that 1,5 and 10 fils coins existed in dubai !!!

Faisal Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 10:16

Abu Dhabi Coop is the only one I know which gives the exact change. I used to store all these 5fils 10 fils coins and let my 3yr old daughter to drop it in the Red Crescent Box. She love that me too..

S K Mehta

Apr 10, 2011 10:09

It is not a big deal . For years big houses have been using this type of price tag eg 9.99/= knowingly the customer will not ask for the smallest coin to be returned back. Labelling of price tags are always a selling techniques. The easy solution should be that shopping mall should display their promotional price to rounded figures. I consider minting of too many 10 fils may be comparatively be expensive solution, let the rates are set by the malls to faciltates to exchange of at least 25 fils between buyers and sellers. Do not forget that when one buy a product for a Dhs 50.10 , mall only ask for Dhs 50.00

Mohammad

Apr 10, 2011 10:07

I always pay via debit card so never encounter any problem in big hyper markets. But for grocery stores, now on I will definitely ask them for exact change.

Vipin

Apr 10, 2011 10:06

Thanks Gulf News for bringing this to my notice. In my past 5 yeras of UAE life, I have never even seen 5 or 10 fil coins.

Abdul Azeez

Apr 10, 2011 10:05

Just look at the otherway. If i have 11.50 in my pocket and wanted to buy an item worth of 11.65 in most case I think I cannot get it. So every fils counted.

Chris Kay

Apr 10, 2011 10:03

This is a worthy to note article. It is everybody's hard earned money. Every one needs to get their value for money. I am living here from 1995 and till date, I fight for my change. People do stare at me but it's my hard earned money. I find one information contradicting in this article. I shop with the Al Maya supermarkets and I live close by to them in Satwa. The information given by Kamal Vachani is not right at all. Every time, every customer is not given their due change at all. I bet this. I have seen many fighting for it and I have done it myself many a time. Is this a clever marketing technique!

Jenny Pearl

Apr 10, 2011 10:01

I always use credit card where credit card is accepted. In that way, I only pay the exact amount plus I get rewards points for using my card. I pay my credit card bill in full every due date so I'm not being charged with interests... I'm just getting the best of both worlds! :)

Abid Mohammad

Apr 10, 2011 9:59

i have been living here since last 13 years and i just now came to know that UAE have 5 and 10 fills coins... my god such bad behaviour of this market, counter sales guys dont have to be blamed for this, managment of each hypermarket or even a small grocery, its all done by purpose. ITS A VERY GOOD AWARENESS GULF NEWS. thanks

Mohammad Adnan

Apr 10, 2011 9:58

The Authority should make a law that whenever any shopkeeper round off any bill the extra money they charged that should go to RED Crecent.

Pathan

Apr 10, 2011 9:57

Authorities shall also look in to the plastic bag sold for 30 fils in a supermarket in jebel ali, which they round off to 50 fils.

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 9:53

Interesting Article. Glad someone finally pointed this out. I always wondered why no one here cares about 10-15-20 fils, while in the US, the retailers return even a single cent, not with a disdain look, but out of utter respect for everyone's cash and its true worth. Surprisingly, I haven't even seen a 5 fil or 10 fil coin, and didn't know it even existed, having lived in the Emirates for over 5 years!

Haneef Puttur

Apr 10, 2011 9:51

Oh!! I never know that 10 fils / 5 fils coins exist. I am here from last 5 years , it never happened to see such coins... I think its time for us to cross check this 5 fils business whenever we go for shopping.. Its a trick used by super markets and malls to cheat customers... Malls should fix any price provided they have the options to give exact change for the customers. I know most of us are not bothered of these fils , still nobody should take advantage our negligence.

TC

Apr 10, 2011 9:51

I visit Panda supermarket in festival city quite often. They do round up but the money goes to charity. I think its a very good idea.

Anandhi

Apr 10, 2011 9:50

Hello, Yes U r Right,now ony I reaised after coming to UAE (08mnths old)I hve never seen 05 or 10 fills as a change given to me in any super market Im residing(qusais).
People ,we are very generous to leave (mostly shy to ask change).now I realised ,good U hv posted n I will ask for change from now.
Thanks for the Guf news

Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 9:50

Rounding off is a general practice. Sometimes its in your favour and sometimes not..its petty issue I guess.

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 9:48

Firstly should thank the reporter who brought this topic up.The whole of UAE is going through this problem.For my past 3 years first time I heard that there are 5 & 10 fils, which I have never seen & would love to see em'. Authorities should make this a rule to give correct change, bçoz sometimes customer will be embarassed in front of all to ask for his own money.Out of the above mentioned 2 big supermarket, which I always shop at one of them.I have never recieved the so called exact change in fils.

Bob

Apr 10, 2011 9:47

I have been in Dubai for over 28 years, and have seen and used 5 and 10 fils coins. Let me tell you they are small and cumbersome, the reason being is that not every store accepts them. I am sure a lot of people store a lot of coins (25 / 50 fil and 1 dh) in a jar at home or in their car, and when the container gets too full, one would use them. Can you imagine giving 20 or 30AED in 5 fil coins to someone? It is not a matter of the coins being in short supply, it is a matter of stores accepting them! You cannot even use the old 50 fils coin at parking meters anymore. (not sure about the old 1 dh coin - the bigger diameter one).

anil

Apr 10, 2011 9:47

Thanks Gulfnews. Surprisingly I have also been living in Dubai for 3.5 years and I didn't even know and seen 5 and 10 fills existed in the UAE until I read this article. some supermarkets even don't do the roundoff if its not work in there way. at the time of bill when its become 1.80 files they forced to charge rounding up rather to simply roundoff or round down.

Vij

Apr 10, 2011 9:44

Thank you Gulfnews for posting such an hot issue. we all neglect 10 or 20 fils while purchase thinking its small amout. too much of small things is large and we can't count how much big supermarkets are getting extra income. its high time economic department to act as per peoples need. but the question is does banks have 10 and 5 fills ?

EVELYN

Apr 10, 2011 9:44

Dear all,
Prices with 15.90; 20.95 , or something fils nearest to one dhs. is only a way of cheating or playing the eyes to the customers,,, so dont be attract prices with extra fils and can be easily round off to 1 dhs.
If the supermarket dont have 5 fils, 10 fils or 25 fils to change thier customers, so stop pricing your products with this kind of prices.

Mufaddal S.

Apr 10, 2011 9:44

This is one of the reason I use a debit card for small purchases and credit card for purchases above 100. This way you get charged for the exact amount. Its only petrol stations that i have to use cash, and I try to avoid purchasing from those shops unless there is no other way out.

pw

Apr 10, 2011 9:43

in singapore when i visited, shopkeepers insist in exact change and also prompt in giving exact change..value the money even if it is to the fils

Ashi

Apr 10, 2011 9:40

I have been living in uae for the past 10 years. I have seen the 10 and 5 fils coins, but when the years passed had noticed it vanishing. I was waiting for someone to raise their voice against this issue. I prefer the debit card payment..I KNOW ITS NOT POSSIBLE ALL THE TIME!!
Advise all the supermarkets have the coins to give their customers the exact change.

Joe

Apr 10, 2011 9:38

I once got a bill of Aed 26.15 and they took Aed 26.25 and in the same place another day (that too, with the same person, i noticed), instead of Aed 17.05 they took Aed 17.25. So the consumer is at the bearing end in both cases. Seems authorities have to flourish the market with 5fils & 10fils coins.

Thameez

Apr 10, 2011 9:37

This is happening for ages in UAE. Imagine just 10 fils from a customer and a day minimum 1000 customers it comes to Dhs.100.00 for a month Dhs.3000. Why cant they open a new hypermarkets in our neighborhood?? This is our rights.

jaykant singh

Apr 10, 2011 9:37

if below 25 fils coins is not in circulation, uae authorities should issue a circuler to super market to put the price in multiple of 25 fils. because it is more helpful to those who are getting less salary and buying in cash .

Hunter

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

They will never give change for 10 - 15 fils if your not going to ask. i dont want to go to hypermarkets for grocery anymore. coz they will give us small plastic grocery and let us buy compulsary the big bag. more better i will go for grocery in small supermarket and buy everything i need.

gul

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

i have expereinced this thing in many supermarkets and shops in bur dubai that after paying the bill the amount returned to us is less than the amount we should get back.. my advice is before leaving the cash counter the customer should check the bill amount and the cash returned. Mostly they either give us five dirhams less or many times two to three dirhams less money.

Yogesh Sisodia

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

Madina Super market chain has the best practice in these cases. They will round off the bill to nearest dirham or fils available. Like if your bill is 19.10 they will round it off to AED 19.00 and if your bill is 19.15 they will round it off to 19.25. This gives benefits both way so no harm.

Aida

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

Some supermarkets are taking any amount that is < AED 1. If the amount is 26.40, they may take 0.60 fils saying that they dont have change. I think everyone should not leave cashier if the buyer didnt take all of his money. It is the customer money even if it is 5 fils, and this amount makes an amount of money if it is taken from each customer.

Raji

Apr 10, 2011 9:35

Until i read this article, I never knew that 10 fils and 5 fils existed. So far I have been thinking that since the exact change is not available that is the reason for them taking the extra money. Even if we ask for 25 fils change, the way the cashier reacts with the scornfull looks makes you think you made a mistake in asking for that, even though its your money. Even the taxis do not give the exact change back.
Thank you for posting this article.

Zeeshan

FAHAD HASAN

Apr 10, 2011 9:32

10 to 25 fils may not be a matter for customers, but it's the resposibility of billers to return it back. If not, its cheating.

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 9:32

I completely agree with the article. These days every hypermarket and supermarket accepts credit card or debt cards while shopping more than Dh10. I use cards during purchase so I am not loosing 10, 15 or 20 fils. It is wise to use cards, preferably debit cards, as we will know how much we spend and we will not lose those fills.

DAS

Apr 10, 2011 9:29

This article was an eye opener. Most of us are of the opinion that there are no denomination less than 25 fils. Even though the bills in the supermarket have other denominations, we do not get any balance less than 25 fils.
Thanks to Gulf News. We will insist the retail outlets give us back our exact change.

Asghar

Apr 10, 2011 9:28

Just by not giving 15 fils back, it means if they sold even 200 of those items daily, then per month it would be Dh840. Similarly, if they sell 500 of those then it will be Dh2,100 per month. There are people living and working here who do not even earn that much per month. This is not fair. People, use debit or credit cards for payments. Don't use hard cash because you may ignore 15 fils as it is less, but it will earn them good money each month. Thanks Gulf News for this awareness!

SHIHAB

Apr 10, 2011 9:27

This is the first time I am hearing there are 5 fils and 10 fils coins available in the market. I have been living in Dubai for the past 12 years, but have never seen these coins or was even aware of this. I think the majority of the people are not aware of these small coins.

Mahen

Apr 10, 2011 9:23

It is advisbale to use debit card and credit card instead of accusing others. Using debit or credit cards will avoid all these issues.

Mrs. Jayashree

Apr 10, 2011 9:22

Yes, definitely I have gone through many supermarkets, even in malls, when we refuse to pay the change to the counter staff says it is not possible, please pay the change or leave the things and come next time. When we customers lack sometimes 10 or 25 fils, why are they adamant? So please look into this matter. As customers we do spend money on shopping and groceries, etc. So, in a month or year how much money has been taken from us? I hope it will be taken into consideration by the proper people and do the needful. Thanking you.

Amit Bhattacharjie

Apr 10, 2011 9:21

If retailers say that they believe it to be more convenient to round-off to the next figure, i.e. Dh10.95 to Dh11, why don’t they price the items at the rounded figure above, below or convenient, i.e. 11, 10.75 or 10.50? They will not do this, as most of these retailers are fixed on an age-old idea of conservative retailing wherein it is thought that as long as the price is not Dh12, but Dh11.95, the customer's psychology will reach out without reasoning. This however, is never the case with the customer or consumer of today. Again, retailers think that customers are loaded with easy cash and therefore will not mind if the change is short or not returned. They also think this way as some customers find it below their dignity to haggle over a few fils. However, the same retailer, counter-person or cashier, when becomes a customer at another retail point other than their own, would start haggling for the short-change. Its like, ‘who-cares-as-long-as-it-doesn’t-affect-me, but-I-will-when-its-my-turn’. The most important point to note here is that some tillers have been trained by their management to follow this pattern of not returning the change. They have certain formulas too that are followed. What these retailers are doing is actually a crime and not an offense. It is for the concerned authorities to pull up these retailers. The central bank has confirmed that 5 and 10 fils are available in plenty. Again, it is left to one’s imagination and arithmetical ability to calculate how much the owners of such busy outlets make this way.

Srinivas

Apr 10, 2011 9:17

I've been in Dubai for the past six years. Only after reading this article, I came to know that UAE currency has 5 fils and 10 fils.

Roshni

Apr 10, 2011 9:15

Supermarkets rip off their customers with the wrong pricing on the shelves. For instance, I went to a very well known shop and picked up two maxi rolls, one which was priced for Dh10 and the other priced at Dh5.95. When I came to the billing section, the price was Dh11.65, which was unacceptable. I returned it at the counter and expressed my thoughts to the cashier that the price on the shelf was Dh5.95 and that I just picked it up because it was that price.
We need a consumer protection service in all shopping malls who regularly checks on the prices. Nobody waits for the 10 or 5 fils at the cash counter. But the cashier would wait for the bill to be settled even if its 10 fils or 5 fils to be paid to the consumer.

mohammed

Apr 10, 2011 9:13

I have suffered from this mal practise of not receiving exact change. Sometimes supermarkets give candy or chewing gum instead of change as it makes a sale of their candies and chewing gum also. This strict pricing should be rounded to nearest currency i the currencies are not available in markets.

Unni

Apr 10, 2011 9:12

I have been living in the UAE for the past 25 years and it surprised me when I read the comment that 10 fils coins are available and I have never seen this.

Mohamed

Apr 10, 2011 9:10

Some supermarkets never pay back the balance. If the bill is Dh9.80 they will take Dh10 and if the bill is Dh10.10 they will take Dh10.25.
When I ask they misbehaved with me. The authorities must take appropriate action on this.

Abdul Hamid Kalyam

Apr 10, 2011 9:03

In some of the supermarkets they give the customers chewing gum instead of the balance. Especially if the balance is equal to or near 25 fils.
I had an experience last Saturday (09/04/2011) where I sent some money through one of the money exchanges, near the National Paints Area in Sharjah, where I gave Dh2,200 to pay a bill of Dh2,106.50. The balance I received was only Dh93. When I asked the cashier, he shouted at me and said he didn't have the change and will clear it on my next visit. Since there was a very big queue, I became very ashamed in front of them for 50 fils. So, I gave up 50 fils and ran away from there.

Deepa

Apr 10, 2011 9:02

I have never seen a 5 and 10 fils coin in my life before :(

Touseef Ashfaq

Apr 10, 2011 8:56

When you standing in a long que and the cashier says: sorry sir we run out of 10 or 25 fils, What are you going to do? Nothing. This is the mentality we see so often these days. Other way they ask you to give them change which, definitely we don't pick those small coins.

Abdul Sattar

Apr 10, 2011 8:53

I really appreciate drawing the attention of consumers. Retailers and markets do not give back the change of 5 or 10 fils due to known reasons. The authorities should define the policy not only in favor of consumers, but also in favor of the seller. If such malpractice becomes part of society, ultimately it will be part of our culture.

DENNIS

Apr 10, 2011 8:51

Since most of the cashier ports have a donation box then we can just asked for that 10 fils change and drop it on that donation box.

Asghar Ali

Apr 10, 2011 8:38

Very intresting article and sadly quite true also. Just think if some item is priced at Dh10.85 and they are taking a so called rounded off amount of Dh11 and they sell 500 of those items that day, it means they will earn Dh75 per day and Dh2250 per month, which is not justified. This will be indirect cheating isnt it? Either you dont have 5 or 10 fils coins or price your items accordingly. My suggestion to the customers is to get a debit card from the bank where you have your account and pay through it or pay by credit card. This way they will be forced to deduct the exact amount anyway.

Jay-ar

Apr 10, 2011 8:38

I dont find this article very interesting. Why should we argue and bother ourselves for 5 or 10 fils change?

Ajit

Apr 10, 2011 8:32

If the retailers don't have enough change to give back to the consumers they should avoid pricing like x.10, x.15, x.20 etc. It should be standardized to pricing like x.25, x.50, x.75 etc.

Hani

Apr 10, 2011 8:31

I was in Singapore last month and their coins are use for payment without any problem. I got the exact change and no one is commenting or frowning when I pay with coins, even the taxi driver chased me just to return my 10 cents back!
So I think the difference is about mentality. There everyone respects money even to the smallest cents, here people think that 5 fils are not worth asking for.

Zeeshan Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 8:31

I wonder if these same retailers round off the numbers the other way when you buy something for Dhs.2.15. Do they charge Dh2 or "round it off" to Dh2.50?

Leeju Mathew

Apr 10, 2011 8:31

The best way to actually get your change is when you shop with your debit card. They don't need to round off any value, instead they charge you the exact amount. You will not even have to carry small change all the time.

Noufal

Apr 10, 2011 8:23

A store in Abu Dhabi refused to give me back even 20, 15 or 10 fils many times. One day I asked about the exact change of my balance and the cashier talked to me in shouting style. It's happening all over the UAE except at the Al Maya and Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society. As specified above the supermarket owners are getting millions per year through this. It's our right to get back our exact change.

Hanfas

Apr 10, 2011 8:21

I use only credit cards for my supermarket purchases to prevent this hassle!

Ashraf Khan

Apr 10, 2011 8:18

We are always facing this type of error in malls. When you are buying any thing and price come in fils they are charging more.
Also there are some malls who are making less for this.
I have one more question here in the UAE. A lot of offers are coming on goods for dalily life. I just checked in malls and was surprised that items which expire very soon they are making offer and hiding the expiration date.
Last time I bought some thing, the expiration date was in Arabic so that I didn't know and when I used it, it had instects.
Allah kareem

Anafii

Apr 10, 2011 8:17

2 days ago I was shopping at a store in the Green Community DIP. There was a juice bottle on the shelf and the price was Dh13.50. I liked the price and decided to buy it. I have purchased other items at that time, but only at home I checked the bill and the price was showing Dh16.50. It must be a trick of the shop, since we take products when we are inside the shop and the prices differ from the one you see and the one you pay. We can not remember the price, since we come to cashier thinking that we took the basket full of products with reasonable price.

Ibrahim

Apr 10, 2011 8:16

No cashiers have given me change so far. Also, they never rounded my bill, like if the bill was Dh10:15 they asked me to pay only Dh10. It is always Dh10:25. Every cashier always rounds the bill higher, not less than the actual bill. What the hypermarket manager says is not the truth. If you ask for the exact change they will stare at you like a strange creature from Mars. So nobody asks. Sometime back I received chewing gum for change like 25 fils from some super markets!

Dhawal

Apr 10, 2011 8:16

One suggstion: supermarkets/stores price their items in such a way that there are no "fils" involved. For example a shirt for Dh105.25, may be priced at either Dh106.00 to 105.00. The "fils" problem will be solved to a great extent and it will be mutually beneficial for both the conumer and the business owners. However, this may not be possible evertime as the prices are controlled by the economic department. But then its worth trying.

Ebrahim Al Mulla

Apr 10, 2011 8:12

Good article, an eye opener. Yes! Millions are made through small amounts. All those cashiers make us feel cheap when we ask for our money back. I only agree to Abu Dhabi coop, which returns the money.
I pay either by debit or credit card, thus avoiding the unwanted rounded off formula. Everyone should ask for their money.

Badriya Abdulla

Apr 10, 2011 8:03

This is a great thing. I wasn't aware that there are coins for 5 fils or 10 fils available.

Frank

Apr 10, 2011 8:02

My experience is that a big supermarket near my house sometimes does not have 25 fils coins to return to the consumer. Instead they pay back by giving a sweet peppermint or chewing gum instead. I asked them if I could exchange this the next time I shop and they say they can'., So, being a diabetic, I am forced to take this and throw the sweet in the dustbin.

umar

Apr 10, 2011 8:02

I agree with that most hyper or supermarkets are doing so, and of course more than 95 per cent of people don't ask for 10 to 15 fills as refund. This could be the policy to get some additional, even its not much. So, if the prices are not in round figures then markets must pay full change even it is 10 fils.

VijayC

Apr 10, 2011 8:00

Honestly speaking, in my last 5 to 6 years in the UAE I have never seen a 10 fils or 5 fils coin. The minimum denomination seen is 25 fils. So this is news to me that we have 10 or 5 fils coins. On a different thought though, what is to guarantee that retailers will not markup their prices to the rounding figure, rather than show the odd fils in the price? While this report is done in good faith to show consumers, I don't think it may be practical to demand the 10 fils. Retailers will always find a way out of this.

frank

Apr 10, 2011 7:52

Dear you are correct and thank you for your post. So many cashiers are doing this. They rounded the amount and if we ask they say no change or give us a look like we are kanjoos and give the amount on the desk, not our hand. Did they do the same if they buy material in any market? They are not managers or owners of the whole shop. So keep in mind and serve people good if they buy a Dh1 product or Dh100 product. I appreciate the cashiers who respect customers and I hate and do not welcome the cashiers disrespecting and thinking they are owners of the shop. So think and respect people.

Iyappan Nadar

Apr 10, 2011 7:43

Last week, I bought arabic cooked food for Dh11.80 from a shop in Khalidhya mall. I paid Dh20 and got change of Dh8 only. I didn't mind it for 20 fils.

pramod

Apr 10, 2011 7:41

Thanks Gulf News for bringing this to my notice. I was always wondered about this cheating by the shop owners.
In my past 7 yeras of Gulf life, I have never even seen 5 or 10 fil coins.
I am really surpised to see that they do exsist.

Salman

Apr 10, 2011 7:33

The authorities should regulate prices and ensure that they are divisible by 25. And yes, I am always robbed of my fils while shopping.

Langelo

Apr 10, 2011 7:26

Actually this is the first time that I've heard that there are 5 fils and 10 fils in circulation. I've been in Dubai for almost 3 years now and I thought that the smallest denomination was 25 fils. Anyway, when I go shopping I usually use my debit card so I am charged exactly. But with small purchases, which I use cash, I usually take it for granted.

Sohail Meer

Apr 10, 2011 7:14

I have experienced this problem for a long time. I have noticed that whenever I buy from one super market and if the bill is like Dh10.25, and if they don't have change, they will charge Dh10. It has happened many times. But in another, when even my bill was Dh9.70 or Dh9.75 they have charged me Dh10 saying they don't have change. I don't like it at all. If they don't have money then why are they deducting our money? Instead they should give us 25 fils more, i.e 50 fils because they are short of change. Otherwise they can give some chewing gum or something in lieu of 25 fils or 50 fils.

Jomar

Apr 10, 2011 6:50

I lived in Dubai for 13 years and I seriously haven't seen the 10 and 5 fil coins. I have been to all of the shops in the pictures, but none has ever given me the exact change. I never asked them though, always thought it was like the norm in the UAE.

aliyar kalifa

Apr 10, 2011 6:45

I am living in the UAE for the past 5 years and I shop a lot of time in the leading shopping malls, supermarkets, and retail shops. But until today I haven't got back 5 fils, 10 fils or 15 fils.

Rima Dhanky

Apr 10, 2011 6:02

I just read an article about giving 5 and 10 fils back in the UAE. People are not bothered about taking them back. In reality, except for co-operatives, no one accepts 5 or 10 fils. We have to keep them separately for co-operatives. I am refused 10 fils in all the supermarkets. In Canada, people don't leave 1 cent also. I don't know why people are not bothered much about 10 fils.

rixadejava

Apr 10, 2011 5:13

Totally agree.
Surprisingly I have been living in Dubai for 4 years and I didn't even know 5 and 10 fills existed in the UAE until I read this article.

Will Fury

Apr 10, 2011 5:08

Businesses do not engage in a practice that costs them money. I'm glad this issue is being written about and extend. My apologies to all those customers behind me in line who have to wait while the clerk finds a 5 or 10 fil coin to give me my exact change.
Really, this practice makes it seem as if we're living in a village economy.

prasad

Apr 10, 2011 3:32

A super market in Abusagara Al Madina they charge less
if your charge is Dh4.35 - the charge is 4.25.
If your charge is Dh10.15, they charge Dh10 only.

Mohammad Jahangir

Apr 10, 2011 1:45

I had no idea that 5 and 10 fils coins are available!

NADEEM AHMED HAJI

Apr 10, 2011 12:44

BEST IDEA IS TO USE CARDS INSTEAD OF PAYING BY CASH AND BE DOUBTFUL OF BEING CHEATED.
SHOPPING BY CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD IS SAFE AND CROSS CHECKED FIRST BY THE SHOPPING BILL AND SECOND BY GOING THROUGH THE CARD'S STATEMENT.

Ben

Apr 10, 2011 12:18

It is good that Gulf News has raised such an awareness. This is not the first time. Such practices haves been followed for years, fooling the consumers. Now the consumers are really aware of their financial spending since the global economic crisis took place. The concerned authorities must consider the public's complaint.
Thanks

Ben

Apr 10, 2011 12:18

It is good that Gulf News has raised such an awareness. This is not the first time. Such practices haves been followed for years, fooling the consumers. Now the consumers are really aware of their financial spending since the global economic crisis took place. The concerned authorities must consider the public's complaint.
Thanks

NADEEM AHMED HAJI

Apr 10, 2011 12:44

BEST IDEA IS TO USE CARDS INSTEAD OF PAYING BY CASH AND BE DOUBTFUL OF BEING CHEATED.
SHOPPING BY CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD IS SAFE AND CROSS CHECKED FIRST BY THE SHOPPING BILL AND SECOND BY GOING THROUGH THE CARD'S STATEMENT.

Mohammad Jahangir

Apr 10, 2011 1:45

I had no idea that 5 and 10 fils coins are available!

prasad

Apr 10, 2011 3:32

A super market in Abusagara Al Madina they charge less
if your charge is Dh4.35 - the charge is 4.25.
If your charge is Dh10.15, they charge Dh10 only.

Will Fury

Apr 10, 2011 5:08

Businesses do not engage in a practice that costs them money. I'm glad this issue is being written about and extend. My apologies to all those customers behind me in line who have to wait while the clerk finds a 5 or 10 fil coin to give me my exact change.
Really, this practice makes it seem as if we're living in a village economy.

rixadejava

Apr 10, 2011 5:13

Totally agree.
Surprisingly I have been living in Dubai for 4 years and I didn't even know 5 and 10 fills existed in the UAE until I read this article.

Rima Dhanky

Apr 10, 2011 6:02

I just read an article about giving 5 and 10 fils back in the UAE. People are not bothered about taking them back. In reality, except for co-operatives, no one accepts 5 or 10 fils. We have to keep them separately for co-operatives. I am refused 10 fils in all the supermarkets. In Canada, people don't leave 1 cent also. I don't know why people are not bothered much about 10 fils.

aliyar kalifa

Apr 10, 2011 6:45

I am living in the UAE for the past 5 years and I shop a lot of time in the leading shopping malls, supermarkets, and retail shops. But until today I haven't got back 5 fils, 10 fils or 15 fils.

Jomar

Apr 10, 2011 6:50

I lived in Dubai for 13 years and I seriously haven't seen the 10 and 5 fil coins. I have been to all of the shops in the pictures, but none has ever given me the exact change. I never asked them though, always thought it was like the norm in the UAE.

Sohail Meer

Apr 10, 2011 7:14

I have experienced this problem for a long time. I have noticed that whenever I buy from one super market and if the bill is like Dh10.25, and if they don't have change, they will charge Dh10. It has happened many times. But in another, when even my bill was Dh9.70 or Dh9.75 they have charged me Dh10 saying they don't have change. I don't like it at all. If they don't have money then why are they deducting our money? Instead they should give us 25 fils more, i.e 50 fils because they are short of change. Otherwise they can give some chewing gum or something in lieu of 25 fils or 50 fils.

Langelo

Apr 10, 2011 7:26

Actually this is the first time that I've heard that there are 5 fils and 10 fils in circulation. I've been in Dubai for almost 3 years now and I thought that the smallest denomination was 25 fils. Anyway, when I go shopping I usually use my debit card so I am charged exactly. But with small purchases, which I use cash, I usually take it for granted.

Salman

Apr 10, 2011 7:33

The authorities should regulate prices and ensure that they are divisible by 25. And yes, I am always robbed of my fils while shopping.

pramod

Apr 10, 2011 7:41

Thanks Gulf News for bringing this to my notice. I was always wondered about this cheating by the shop owners.
In my past 7 yeras of Gulf life, I have never even seen 5 or 10 fil coins.
I am really surpised to see that they do exsist.

Iyappan Nadar

Apr 10, 2011 7:43

Last week, I bought arabic cooked food for Dh11.80 from a shop in Khalidhya mall. I paid Dh20 and got change of Dh8 only. I didn't mind it for 20 fils.

frank

Apr 10, 2011 7:52

Dear you are correct and thank you for your post. So many cashiers are doing this. They rounded the amount and if we ask they say no change or give us a look like we are kanjoos and give the amount on the desk, not our hand. Did they do the same if they buy material in any market? They are not managers or owners of the whole shop. So keep in mind and serve people good if they buy a Dh1 product or Dh100 product. I appreciate the cashiers who respect customers and I hate and do not welcome the cashiers disrespecting and thinking they are owners of the shop. So think and respect people.

VijayC

Apr 10, 2011 8:00

Honestly speaking, in my last 5 to 6 years in the UAE I have never seen a 10 fils or 5 fils coin. The minimum denomination seen is 25 fils. So this is news to me that we have 10 or 5 fils coins. On a different thought though, what is to guarantee that retailers will not markup their prices to the rounding figure, rather than show the odd fils in the price? While this report is done in good faith to show consumers, I don't think it may be practical to demand the 10 fils. Retailers will always find a way out of this.

umar

Apr 10, 2011 8:02

I agree with that most hyper or supermarkets are doing so, and of course more than 95 per cent of people don't ask for 10 to 15 fills as refund. This could be the policy to get some additional, even its not much. So, if the prices are not in round figures then markets must pay full change even it is 10 fils.

Frank

Apr 10, 2011 8:02

My experience is that a big supermarket near my house sometimes does not have 25 fils coins to return to the consumer. Instead they pay back by giving a sweet peppermint or chewing gum instead. I asked them if I could exchange this the next time I shop and they say they can'., So, being a diabetic, I am forced to take this and throw the sweet in the dustbin.

Badriya Abdulla

Apr 10, 2011 8:03

This is a great thing. I wasn't aware that there are coins for 5 fils or 10 fils available.

Ebrahim Al Mulla

Apr 10, 2011 8:12

Good article, an eye opener. Yes! Millions are made through small amounts. All those cashiers make us feel cheap when we ask for our money back. I only agree to Abu Dhabi coop, which returns the money.
I pay either by debit or credit card, thus avoiding the unwanted rounded off formula. Everyone should ask for their money.

Dhawal

Apr 10, 2011 8:16

One suggstion: supermarkets/stores price their items in such a way that there are no "fils" involved. For example a shirt for Dh105.25, may be priced at either Dh106.00 to 105.00. The "fils" problem will be solved to a great extent and it will be mutually beneficial for both the conumer and the business owners. However, this may not be possible evertime as the prices are controlled by the economic department. But then its worth trying.

Ibrahim

Apr 10, 2011 8:16

No cashiers have given me change so far. Also, they never rounded my bill, like if the bill was Dh10:15 they asked me to pay only Dh10. It is always Dh10:25. Every cashier always rounds the bill higher, not less than the actual bill. What the hypermarket manager says is not the truth. If you ask for the exact change they will stare at you like a strange creature from Mars. So nobody asks. Sometime back I received chewing gum for change like 25 fils from some super markets!

Anafii

Apr 10, 2011 8:17

2 days ago I was shopping at a store in the Green Community DIP. There was a juice bottle on the shelf and the price was Dh13.50. I liked the price and decided to buy it. I have purchased other items at that time, but only at home I checked the bill and the price was showing Dh16.50. It must be a trick of the shop, since we take products when we are inside the shop and the prices differ from the one you see and the one you pay. We can not remember the price, since we come to cashier thinking that we took the basket full of products with reasonable price.

Ashraf Khan

Apr 10, 2011 8:18

We are always facing this type of error in malls. When you are buying any thing and price come in fils they are charging more.
Also there are some malls who are making less for this.
I have one more question here in the UAE. A lot of offers are coming on goods for dalily life. I just checked in malls and was surprised that items which expire very soon they are making offer and hiding the expiration date.
Last time I bought some thing, the expiration date was in Arabic so that I didn't know and when I used it, it had instects.
Allah kareem

Hanfas

Apr 10, 2011 8:21

I use only credit cards for my supermarket purchases to prevent this hassle!

Noufal

Apr 10, 2011 8:23

A store in Abu Dhabi refused to give me back even 20, 15 or 10 fils many times. One day I asked about the exact change of my balance and the cashier talked to me in shouting style. It's happening all over the UAE except at the Al Maya and Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society. As specified above the supermarket owners are getting millions per year through this. It's our right to get back our exact change.

Leeju Mathew

Apr 10, 2011 8:31

The best way to actually get your change is when you shop with your debit card. They don't need to round off any value, instead they charge you the exact amount. You will not even have to carry small change all the time.

Zeeshan Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 8:31

I wonder if these same retailers round off the numbers the other way when you buy something for Dhs.2.15. Do they charge Dh2 or "round it off" to Dh2.50?

Hani

Apr 10, 2011 8:31

I was in Singapore last month and their coins are use for payment without any problem. I got the exact change and no one is commenting or frowning when I pay with coins, even the taxi driver chased me just to return my 10 cents back!
So I think the difference is about mentality. There everyone respects money even to the smallest cents, here people think that 5 fils are not worth asking for.

Ajit

Apr 10, 2011 8:32

If the retailers don't have enough change to give back to the consumers they should avoid pricing like x.10, x.15, x.20 etc. It should be standardized to pricing like x.25, x.50, x.75 etc.

Jay-ar

Apr 10, 2011 8:38

I dont find this article very interesting. Why should we argue and bother ourselves for 5 or 10 fils change?

Asghar Ali

Apr 10, 2011 8:38

Very intresting article and sadly quite true also. Just think if some item is priced at Dh10.85 and they are taking a so called rounded off amount of Dh11 and they sell 500 of those items that day, it means they will earn Dh75 per day and Dh2250 per month, which is not justified. This will be indirect cheating isnt it? Either you dont have 5 or 10 fils coins or price your items accordingly. My suggestion to the customers is to get a debit card from the bank where you have your account and pay through it or pay by credit card. This way they will be forced to deduct the exact amount anyway.

DENNIS

Apr 10, 2011 8:51

Since most of the cashier ports have a donation box then we can just asked for that 10 fils change and drop it on that donation box.

Abdul Sattar

Apr 10, 2011 8:53

I really appreciate drawing the attention of consumers. Retailers and markets do not give back the change of 5 or 10 fils due to known reasons. The authorities should define the policy not only in favor of consumers, but also in favor of the seller. If such malpractice becomes part of society, ultimately it will be part of our culture.

Touseef Ashfaq

Apr 10, 2011 8:56

When you standing in a long que and the cashier says: sorry sir we run out of 10 or 25 fils, What are you going to do? Nothing. This is the mentality we see so often these days. Other way they ask you to give them change which, definitely we don't pick those small coins.

Deepa

Apr 10, 2011 9:02

I have never seen a 5 and 10 fils coin in my life before :(

Abdul Hamid Kalyam

Apr 10, 2011 9:03

In some of the supermarkets they give the customers chewing gum instead of the balance. Especially if the balance is equal to or near 25 fils.
I had an experience last Saturday (09/04/2011) where I sent some money through one of the money exchanges, near the National Paints Area in Sharjah, where I gave Dh2,200 to pay a bill of Dh2,106.50. The balance I received was only Dh93. When I asked the cashier, he shouted at me and said he didn't have the change and will clear it on my next visit. Since there was a very big queue, I became very ashamed in front of them for 50 fils. So, I gave up 50 fils and ran away from there.

Mohamed

Apr 10, 2011 9:10

Some supermarkets never pay back the balance. If the bill is Dh9.80 they will take Dh10 and if the bill is Dh10.10 they will take Dh10.25.
When I ask they misbehaved with me. The authorities must take appropriate action on this.

Unni

Apr 10, 2011 9:12

I have been living in the UAE for the past 25 years and it surprised me when I read the comment that 10 fils coins are available and I have never seen this.

mohammed

Apr 10, 2011 9:13

I have suffered from this mal practise of not receiving exact change. Sometimes supermarkets give candy or chewing gum instead of change as it makes a sale of their candies and chewing gum also. This strict pricing should be rounded to nearest currency i the currencies are not available in markets.

Roshni

Apr 10, 2011 9:15

Supermarkets rip off their customers with the wrong pricing on the shelves. For instance, I went to a very well known shop and picked up two maxi rolls, one which was priced for Dh10 and the other priced at Dh5.95. When I came to the billing section, the price was Dh11.65, which was unacceptable. I returned it at the counter and expressed my thoughts to the cashier that the price on the shelf was Dh5.95 and that I just picked it up because it was that price.
We need a consumer protection service in all shopping malls who regularly checks on the prices. Nobody waits for the 10 or 5 fils at the cash counter. But the cashier would wait for the bill to be settled even if its 10 fils or 5 fils to be paid to the consumer.

Srinivas

Apr 10, 2011 9:17

I've been in Dubai for the past six years. Only after reading this article, I came to know that UAE currency has 5 fils and 10 fils.

Amit Bhattacharjie

Apr 10, 2011 9:21

If retailers say that they believe it to be more convenient to round-off to the next figure, i.e. Dh10.95 to Dh11, why don’t they price the items at the rounded figure above, below or convenient, i.e. 11, 10.75 or 10.50? They will not do this, as most of these retailers are fixed on an age-old idea of conservative retailing wherein it is thought that as long as the price is not Dh12, but Dh11.95, the customer's psychology will reach out without reasoning. This however, is never the case with the customer or consumer of today. Again, retailers think that customers are loaded with easy cash and therefore will not mind if the change is short or not returned. They also think this way as some customers find it below their dignity to haggle over a few fils. However, the same retailer, counter-person or cashier, when becomes a customer at another retail point other than their own, would start haggling for the short-change. Its like, ‘who-cares-as-long-as-it-doesn’t-affect-me, but-I-will-when-its-my-turn’. The most important point to note here is that some tillers have been trained by their management to follow this pattern of not returning the change. They have certain formulas too that are followed. What these retailers are doing is actually a crime and not an offense. It is for the concerned authorities to pull up these retailers. The central bank has confirmed that 5 and 10 fils are available in plenty. Again, it is left to one’s imagination and arithmetical ability to calculate how much the owners of such busy outlets make this way.

Mrs. Jayashree

Apr 10, 2011 9:22

Yes, definitely I have gone through many supermarkets, even in malls, when we refuse to pay the change to the counter staff says it is not possible, please pay the change or leave the things and come next time. When we customers lack sometimes 10 or 25 fils, why are they adamant? So please look into this matter. As customers we do spend money on shopping and groceries, etc. So, in a month or year how much money has been taken from us? I hope it will be taken into consideration by the proper people and do the needful. Thanking you.

Mahen

Apr 10, 2011 9:23

It is advisbale to use debit card and credit card instead of accusing others. Using debit or credit cards will avoid all these issues.

SHIHAB

Apr 10, 2011 9:27

This is the first time I am hearing there are 5 fils and 10 fils coins available in the market. I have been living in Dubai for the past 12 years, but have never seen these coins or was even aware of this. I think the majority of the people are not aware of these small coins.

Asghar

Apr 10, 2011 9:28

Just by not giving 15 fils back, it means if they sold even 200 of those items daily, then per month it would be Dh840. Similarly, if they sell 500 of those then it will be Dh2,100 per month. There are people living and working here who do not even earn that much per month. This is not fair. People, use debit or credit cards for payments. Don't use hard cash because you may ignore 15 fils as it is less, but it will earn them good money each month. Thanks Gulf News for this awareness!

DAS

Apr 10, 2011 9:29

This article was an eye opener. Most of us are of the opinion that there are no denomination less than 25 fils. Even though the bills in the supermarket have other denominations, we do not get any balance less than 25 fils.
Thanks to Gulf News. We will insist the retail outlets give us back our exact change.

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 9:32

I completely agree with the article. These days every hypermarket and supermarket accepts credit card or debt cards while shopping more than Dh10. I use cards during purchase so I am not loosing 10, 15 or 20 fils. It is wise to use cards, preferably debit cards, as we will know how much we spend and we will not lose those fills.

FAHAD HASAN

Apr 10, 2011 9:32

10 to 25 fils may not be a matter for customers, but it's the resposibility of billers to return it back. If not, its cheating.

Zeeshan

Raji

Apr 10, 2011 9:35

Until i read this article, I never knew that 10 fils and 5 fils existed. So far I have been thinking that since the exact change is not available that is the reason for them taking the extra money. Even if we ask for 25 fils change, the way the cashier reacts with the scornfull looks makes you think you made a mistake in asking for that, even though its your money. Even the taxis do not give the exact change back.
Thank you for posting this article.

Aida

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

Some supermarkets are taking any amount that is < AED 1. If the amount is 26.40, they may take 0.60 fils saying that they dont have change. I think everyone should not leave cashier if the buyer didnt take all of his money. It is the customer money even if it is 5 fils, and this amount makes an amount of money if it is taken from each customer.

Yogesh Sisodia

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

Madina Super market chain has the best practice in these cases. They will round off the bill to nearest dirham or fils available. Like if your bill is 19.10 they will round it off to AED 19.00 and if your bill is 19.15 they will round it off to 19.25. This gives benefits both way so no harm.

gul

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

i have expereinced this thing in many supermarkets and shops in bur dubai that after paying the bill the amount returned to us is less than the amount we should get back.. my advice is before leaving the cash counter the customer should check the bill amount and the cash returned. Mostly they either give us five dirhams less or many times two to three dirhams less money.

Hunter

Apr 10, 2011 9:36

They will never give change for 10 - 15 fils if your not going to ask. i dont want to go to hypermarkets for grocery anymore. coz they will give us small plastic grocery and let us buy compulsary the big bag. more better i will go for grocery in small supermarket and buy everything i need.

jaykant singh

Apr 10, 2011 9:37

if below 25 fils coins is not in circulation, uae authorities should issue a circuler to super market to put the price in multiple of 25 fils. because it is more helpful to those who are getting less salary and buying in cash .

Thameez

Apr 10, 2011 9:37

This is happening for ages in UAE. Imagine just 10 fils from a customer and a day minimum 1000 customers it comes to Dhs.100.00 for a month Dhs.3000. Why cant they open a new hypermarkets in our neighborhood?? This is our rights.

Joe

Apr 10, 2011 9:38

I once got a bill of Aed 26.15 and they took Aed 26.25 and in the same place another day (that too, with the same person, i noticed), instead of Aed 17.05 they took Aed 17.25. So the consumer is at the bearing end in both cases. Seems authorities have to flourish the market with 5fils & 10fils coins.

Ashi

Apr 10, 2011 9:40

I have been living in uae for the past 10 years. I have seen the 10 and 5 fils coins, but when the years passed had noticed it vanishing. I was waiting for someone to raise their voice against this issue. I prefer the debit card payment..I KNOW ITS NOT POSSIBLE ALL THE TIME!!
Advise all the supermarkets have the coins to give their customers the exact change.

pw

Apr 10, 2011 9:43

in singapore when i visited, shopkeepers insist in exact change and also prompt in giving exact change..value the money even if it is to the fils

Mufaddal S.

Apr 10, 2011 9:44

This is one of the reason I use a debit card for small purchases and credit card for purchases above 100. This way you get charged for the exact amount. Its only petrol stations that i have to use cash, and I try to avoid purchasing from those shops unless there is no other way out.

EVELYN

Apr 10, 2011 9:44

Dear all,
Prices with 15.90; 20.95 , or something fils nearest to one dhs. is only a way of cheating or playing the eyes to the customers,,, so dont be attract prices with extra fils and can be easily round off to 1 dhs.
If the supermarket dont have 5 fils, 10 fils or 25 fils to change thier customers, so stop pricing your products with this kind of prices.

Vij

Apr 10, 2011 9:44

Thank you Gulfnews for posting such an hot issue. we all neglect 10 or 20 fils while purchase thinking its small amout. too much of small things is large and we can't count how much big supermarkets are getting extra income. its high time economic department to act as per peoples need. but the question is does banks have 10 and 5 fills ?

anil

Apr 10, 2011 9:47

Thanks Gulfnews. Surprisingly I have also been living in Dubai for 3.5 years and I didn't even know and seen 5 and 10 fills existed in the UAE until I read this article. some supermarkets even don't do the roundoff if its not work in there way. at the time of bill when its become 1.80 files they forced to charge rounding up rather to simply roundoff or round down.

Bob

Apr 10, 2011 9:47

I have been in Dubai for over 28 years, and have seen and used 5 and 10 fils coins. Let me tell you they are small and cumbersome, the reason being is that not every store accepts them. I am sure a lot of people store a lot of coins (25 / 50 fil and 1 dh) in a jar at home or in their car, and when the container gets too full, one would use them. Can you imagine giving 20 or 30AED in 5 fil coins to someone? It is not a matter of the coins being in short supply, it is a matter of stores accepting them! You cannot even use the old 50 fils coin at parking meters anymore. (not sure about the old 1 dh coin - the bigger diameter one).

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 9:48

Firstly should thank the reporter who brought this topic up.The whole of UAE is going through this problem.For my past 3 years first time I heard that there are 5 & 10 fils, which I have never seen & would love to see em'. Authorities should make this a rule to give correct change, bçoz sometimes customer will be embarassed in front of all to ask for his own money.Out of the above mentioned 2 big supermarket, which I always shop at one of them.I have never recieved the so called exact change in fils.

Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 9:50

Rounding off is a general practice. Sometimes its in your favour and sometimes not..its petty issue I guess.

Anandhi

Apr 10, 2011 9:50

Hello, Yes U r Right,now ony I reaised after coming to UAE (08mnths old)I hve never seen 05 or 10 fills as a change given to me in any super market Im residing(qusais).
People ,we are very generous to leave (mostly shy to ask change).now I realised ,good U hv posted n I will ask for change from now.
Thanks for the Guf news

TC

Apr 10, 2011 9:51

I visit Panda supermarket in festival city quite often. They do round up but the money goes to charity. I think its a very good idea.

Haneef Puttur

Apr 10, 2011 9:51

Oh!! I never know that 10 fils / 5 fils coins exist. I am here from last 5 years , it never happened to see such coins... I think its time for us to cross check this 5 fils business whenever we go for shopping.. Its a trick used by super markets and malls to cheat customers... Malls should fix any price provided they have the options to give exact change for the customers. I know most of us are not bothered of these fils , still nobody should take advantage our negligence.

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 9:53

Interesting Article. Glad someone finally pointed this out. I always wondered why no one here cares about 10-15-20 fils, while in the US, the retailers return even a single cent, not with a disdain look, but out of utter respect for everyone's cash and its true worth. Surprisingly, I haven't even seen a 5 fil or 10 fil coin, and didn't know it even existed, having lived in the Emirates for over 5 years!

Pathan

Apr 10, 2011 9:57

Authorities shall also look in to the plastic bag sold for 30 fils in a supermarket in jebel ali, which they round off to 50 fils.

Mohammad Adnan

Apr 10, 2011 9:58

The Authority should make a law that whenever any shopkeeper round off any bill the extra money they charged that should go to RED Crecent.

Abid Mohammad

Apr 10, 2011 9:59

i have been living here since last 13 years and i just now came to know that UAE have 5 and 10 fills coins... my god such bad behaviour of this market, counter sales guys dont have to be blamed for this, managment of each hypermarket or even a small grocery, its all done by purpose. ITS A VERY GOOD AWARENESS GULF NEWS. thanks

Jenny Pearl

Apr 10, 2011 10:01

I always use credit card where credit card is accepted. In that way, I only pay the exact amount plus I get rewards points for using my card. I pay my credit card bill in full every due date so I'm not being charged with interests... I'm just getting the best of both worlds! :)

Chris Kay

Apr 10, 2011 10:03

This is a worthy to note article. It is everybody's hard earned money. Every one needs to get their value for money. I am living here from 1995 and till date, I fight for my change. People do stare at me but it's my hard earned money. I find one information contradicting in this article. I shop with the Al Maya supermarkets and I live close by to them in Satwa. The information given by Kamal Vachani is not right at all. Every time, every customer is not given their due change at all. I bet this. I have seen many fighting for it and I have done it myself many a time. Is this a clever marketing technique!

Abdul Azeez

Apr 10, 2011 10:05

Just look at the otherway. If i have 11.50 in my pocket and wanted to buy an item worth of 11.65 in most case I think I cannot get it. So every fils counted.

Vipin

Apr 10, 2011 10:06

Thanks Gulf News for bringing this to my notice. In my past 5 yeras of UAE life, I have never even seen 5 or 10 fil coins.

Mohammad

Apr 10, 2011 10:07

I always pay via debit card so never encounter any problem in big hyper markets. But for grocery stores, now on I will definitely ask them for exact change.

S K Mehta

Apr 10, 2011 10:09

It is not a big deal . For years big houses have been using this type of price tag eg 9.99/= knowingly the customer will not ask for the smallest coin to be returned back. Labelling of price tags are always a selling techniques. The easy solution should be that shopping mall should display their promotional price to rounded figures. I consider minting of too many 10 fils may be comparatively be expensive solution, let the rates are set by the malls to faciltates to exchange of at least 25 fils between buyers and sellers. Do not forget that when one buy a product for a Dhs 50.10 , mall only ask for Dhs 50.00

Faisal Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 10:16

Abu Dhabi Coop is the only one I know which gives the exact change. I used to store all these 5fils 10 fils coins and let my 3yr old daughter to drop it in the Red Crescent Box. She love that me too..

Jubith Kariyath

Apr 10, 2011 10:18

thank you gulf news for this article. I am here in dubai for eight years and I never knew that 1,5 and 10 fils coins existed in dubai !!!

Aamir Hussain

Apr 10, 2011 10:22

While I see that most of us are cribbing about those 5, 10 or 15 fils I would like to know how many of us are willing to tender exact change at the groceries or the supermarket or any other place for that matter? I think it is a matter of convenience rather than making profits. We have just got used to cribbing about trivial things in the name of consumerism, etc and make a big issue over absolutely nothing. C'mon people grow up we have more important issues in life than these 5, 10 & 15 fils.

omar

Apr 10, 2011 10:24

Pay my credit card to be exact payment .. Most of grocery and other use this method to attack people for their market ,, its competition

Deepak kumar

Apr 10, 2011 10:25

Dear All, Grow up !! What do u do with 10 fils in UAE ???Ok Agreed that small drops make an ocean ... Do u know that every time your car is " ON " at the signal , every minute a FIL is burned .. Everytime you leave your house without switching OFF the A/c , money is wasted ... Everytime you light up a cigarette , money is burnt !! And all we can think of saving 10 - 5 Fils ??? Instead of asking the cashier for the exact return change , why dont you shop with your Card or go to the grocery with the exact change in Hand ??

Kavita R

Apr 10, 2011 10:27

I would suggest that authorities should introduce coins in 10,15...fils or put a ban so that no supermarkets or retail shops can cheat their customers.

venu

Apr 10, 2011 10:28

Thank you for bringing this subject to the attention of public.I never thought or never seen a coin less than 25 fils.Its very much true that the hypermarket chains will take extra fils from your pocket.if total purchase is 9.65 they will never give you fifty fills back instead they give you 25 fils making it as round figure.This is a clear case of cheating or looting the public without keeping 5 fils or 10 fils.

Ananymous

Apr 10, 2011 10:30

Thanks to Gulf News for creating awareness that "currency less than 25 fils" Exist in UAE. At least I was not aware of. Forget 5 or 10 fils, we often comeout leaving 25 fil change because the cash counters in some of the store do not keep this change or would be "exhausted". I have last seen the coins of 1, 5 and 10 fils at museum and never in the market.

Abdullah

Apr 10, 2011 10:33

I've experienced the same almost everytime. I feel that the authorities should fine such markets. They will come to their senses when they will have to pay the money themselves. Another option would be to make rounding off a standard that would work either way for the customer as well as the shops etc.

KLA

Apr 10, 2011 10:33

5 & 10 fils exists ? This is the first I'm hearing about them in my 7 years here.

pushpa kumara

Apr 10, 2011 10:43

thank you to gulf news reporter .but this is common things in every hyper market ,super market in uae.but i notice union cooprative in abu dhabi they always given small fils change back like 10 fils 20 fils .this should be need to do every shop in the uae .i hope after your news they will start to do that .

Sarhoon

Sevag

Apr 10, 2011 10:47

USE YOUR CREDIT CARD EVERYWHERE
this is what i do, and i limit my cash carrying almost to non existing.

Faiz

Apr 10, 2011 10:49

Very well done, Gulfnews! It is not a matter of 5 or 10 fils, it is a matter of principle! Some stores persistently 'cheat'. Last Friday, I was not given back 20 fils, when by rounding logic they should have returned 25 fils. This was not a corner grocery store. In the very early days of computerized accounting (1960's), a British oil company programmer lost his job as he had made millions by diverting the fractional penny differences to his account! Let Gulfnews readers come up with a strategy to counter this as people are normally shy to ask for these small amounts. I will be happy to be part of such an initiative. In response to an earlier comment, it would be unwise to change prices to match the availability of coins! Finally, I have greatest respect for the UAE Central Bank, which has a record of making and enforcing very sound monetary and financial policies and decisions. However, this bit that they did not know that there is a shortage of smaller coins, is very disappointing. They are supposed to be monitoring the flow of currency notes and coins.

Bhavesh

Apr 10, 2011 10:49

Yes, this has generally been a practice. I was irritated too in the past. But I get over this by paying by credit or debit card, in this way the exact amount is charged and I collect precious points too.

John Caleb

Apr 10, 2011 10:56

this post holds good with all the shops, except for one shop that took me for surprise for that is where i saw a 10 fils coin for the first time ever since I came to UAE ( after almost 3 yrs). It is the AbuDhabi Co-Op at electra street. They somehow seem to have supply of 10 fils regularly and ensure they pay back the exact change / give more ( 25fils).

Khan

Apr 10, 2011 10:57

Its really surprising that 1,5,10,15 or 20 fills really exist. I would like to get back my money and will give the money to the charity as you can see it is million AED at the end of the year from all of us. Thanks to GulfNews to bring this up.

Mrs. Neaimi

Apr 10, 2011 10:57

Thank you! Brilliant article! I was so wishing someone would open up this subject publicly. I have for so long been annoyed at not getting back my full change, recently I was even given Dh 10 less in Carrefour. I have always waited for them to give my full change and asked for it only to be replied with" we don't have any change". Also, I even had to give Dh1 to the cashier as he wanted Dh25 fills and didn't have change so kept it! many even refuse to take fils.

Vahid Fahad

Apr 10, 2011 10:57

some small supermarkets give back chewing gum instead of 25 fils that we don't need.

Rasheed

Apr 10, 2011 10:59

@Kamal Vachani, Group Director at Al Maya : Sir i would like to bring in your notice that I am regular customer (you can also take it as daily customer). As i shop every small thing from your super market from last 4 yrs as i have satification with your Supermarket at Al Satwa. But i never ever saw your cashier paying me 10 fils or 15 fils . Hope they start doing that & i am going with ask by referring your name..Take it as granted...Thanks

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2011 11:08

I am surprised on two things firstly i have never seen 5 or 10 fils being circulated in Dubai though i am living here for more than 3 years now and secondly i am a regular shopper. the supermarkets never ever paid the exact 5 or 10 or 15 fils instead I have always given extra fils to them. I will be careful next time though. So please bring this to the note of the authorities.

Jasem

Apr 10, 2011 11:09

How can it be true that the NO one from the authories have come across this situation to take notice of it. They say they are not aware of this practice?? how?? they say they are not aware of the shotage of small coins, how?? I have been living in dubai for the past 27 years, I have never seen any of these small change coins. the authorities have out up posters of "BE RIGHT" every where to increase consumer awareness. They need to start wide circulation of these small coins or ask the companies to stop playing games with consumers!

Dr. John

Apr 10, 2011 11:12

Thanks for bringing up this issue. Many years ago, I used to get these 5 fils and 10 fils coins as balance amount from a supermarket. But they refused to take them back when I returned the next time as the exact amount. I still do not understand why. I think I still have some of those coins. Most of the time I have complied with the offer by the shops because there were no other choices. I have certain suggestions. Why do these products for have to be priced as 1.90, 2.35 etc? Is it not better to put the labels as 2.00, and 2.50 instead? (ie the denominations of 25 fils). As for the customers, they could use their credit or debit cards to make the payment and avoid paying extra money to the shops.

Anil Jacob

Apr 10, 2011 11:15

And what a pleasent suprise to know after living 9 Years in the country that 10 fils is also availiable. I was aware till today the smallest denomination is 25fils.

Mohsin Sheikh

Apr 10, 2011 11:19

I'm in UAE since 2004 but never heard and never seen 5 or 10 fils coins, this is the first time. I thought they never exist. I also prefer paying with my Debit card.

Anil

Apr 10, 2011 11:19

All the time!!!! Change is gladly swiped away by the cashiers. Just as they had written it above, their expression as such is not great, when asked for a change, they do not even answer properly. Worse yet, it was never take a penny, leave a penny policy. It was always leave a penny policy. I really would like to know how much a supermarket earns with these pennies. That's precisely why, like in North America, do not pay cash. Pay through Card. Supermarkets who do not accept it, should end up paying fines.

Ansar

Apr 10, 2011 11:20

some supermarkets they give chocolate or chewing gum which is very low quality for the change. that too for 50 fils or 75 fils.

Vijay Dudeja

Apr 10, 2011 11:23

I am of the opinion that there are 2 things, first as a matter of principle the writer comments are ok! second is as a matter of practicality. I think if we go as a matter of practicality, it is good to round off. It is not easy to handle small coins of 5 and 10. Moreover, supermarkets do not charge you higher always, they round off 60 to 50 or 80 to 75. They do not demand or complain of short payment. In the present time, the value of these small coins is negligible and hence rounding off makes better sense from practical point of view. I think there are other issues related to quality or duplication of things which may be addressed through consumer forum rather than dragging petty matters.

Nirmal

Apr 10, 2011 11:24

It depends on person to person, like me i dont mind if it is rounded off to nearest dirham in the favor of shopkeeper. However if it matters for someone he has all the right to get tendered to the exact amount and cashiers must be trained to behave respectfully with all customers.

LUBNA SAQI W/O ABDUL WAHAB

Apr 10, 2011 11:34

yes you are right . Every time when we are going for shopping the person at the counter will not give your change back and if you ask for 10 fils or 15 fils first they just look at you like you are asking for their money and then said that we round off the amount.
It happens with me in every hypermarket or retail store .I am living in UAE for last 29 years and never ever i got my change back .Some time when i purchased like 50 dhs or more i paid from my debit card , but when i purchase small things they are asking to pay cash and they will not give you back your change.
I thanks Gulf News to open this article , from now onward i will not leave even my 1 fils and i wants other to follow the same and ask for their right.

DRK

Apr 10, 2011 11:37

Union Co-operative is doing their best. There are several occasion, I have received coins lower than 25 fils from the cashier. As my transaction is shifted to credit card, I do not have latest knowledge about this. I still appreciate the practice of union cooperative, they do accept credit card transaction amount lower than Dhs10.00

John

Apr 10, 2011 11:39

Even if rounded figures are there, you cannot weigh exact Kilo, and the pricing will be in fractions. No need to worry so much about these fils and the bill will be a total of several items. In a month maximum three to four transactions , even if you pay cash, chances are for fifty fills to One Dirham and not Ten Dirhams.

Sandya

Apr 10, 2011 11:40

Except for Abu Dhabi Co-operative society in Abu Dhabi, i have not seen anyone tendering 10 or 5 fils back and i dont bother to ask it back, because all are doing the same thing, but if dont have change they dont leave even a single fil. I feel all the figures shd be rounded off to 25 fils which are mostly in circulation.

Sandya D Souza

Apr 10, 2011 11:45

Even the taxi drivers also dont give us 25 fils back, they always take in the denominations of 50 fils. but if the taxi fare comes upto 10.25 they ask us for 25 fils also. I would urge the authorities to see in this matter also very carefully.

Merin

Apr 10, 2011 11:46

This article was a very important because i never used to ask even for the minute 10 , 5 fils ! at times i really was desperate 2 ask because whatever we pay should always be the worth of money and also should meet our satisfaction levels!! what suprises me is that does the banks issue fils as such because till date i havent seen even one !!
thankyou gulf news 4 reporting this article 2 us !!
im sure " if we take care of the fils, the dhs will take care of us "

Adnan Amir

Apr 10, 2011 11:49

It would be interesting to know the store policy related to returning change, whether the store would return exact, more or less change should be displayed. Maybe it is a wrong doing on part of cashiers, at the end of their duty they need to match the cash collected to the amount billed. All these 5,10,15 fils might end up in their pocket. I would not like to have chewing gum instead. Better use debit cards.

Ingrid

Apr 10, 2011 11:49

Thank you Gulf News for this awareness. However, there is one more similar form adopted by a number of retail outlets (food and supermarkets together) i.e. to offer gum or some kind of candy in place of change. One should be firm and refuse the offer as it is not worth compared to what you pay for for a regular doughnut.

Khurram Asif

Apr 10, 2011 11:54

i think this is a petty article and petty awareness subject. Surely the people demanding 10-15 fills back fromn cashier have no larger priorities in their lives!

Norman

Apr 10, 2011 12:05

It is petty..if you receive gum as part of your change, next time pay the cashier back with gum as part of your payment

Mitesh

Apr 10, 2011 12:05

If people have a problem with prices like AED 9.90 or AED 4.85 they could just be rounded off to AED 10 or AED 5. but them people should realize that when they buy a larger qauantity these fils save them a lot. lets take some item which is for AED 9.90 in a supermarket what if u need 10 nos. of that item? would you rather pay 99 or 100? seriously if everyone makes a fuss about 5 or 10fils, 100 fils is a large amount. so i guess its not a that big of a deal paying 25 fils extra when on the plus side the awkwardly prices products actually save you money.

Imran

Apr 10, 2011 12:08

Apart form this cheating on change, there is another matter which I think one must drag under light, which is the increasing prices? I have been living in Dubai since last two years and regularly monitoring the prices of difference commodities are increasing periodically within very short span of time. Though this change/hike is not significant but if you compare the prices within an year span this hike is quite significant. I dont know if there is some price control mechanism or these prices changes are un monitored and are at the discretion of the seller..... but this is alarming and there should be some control on this...

Rajeev

Apr 10, 2011 12:10

This was a wonderful message. I have been in the UAE for the past 3 years. I sincerely thought UAE didn't have coins below 25fils and I haven't seen one till date. This is amazing.

Kat

Apr 10, 2011 12:22

The HyperPanda supermarket in Dubai Festival City has a unique way of dealing with small change. This is the only place I have come across in the U.A.E. where they donate the small change to charity, and they ask you before printing the receipt if its alright to do so. If you want your change back, they will return it. The amount donated is also printed on the receipt. I personally don't mind not getting back these 10 and 5 fils. Speaking from past experience, the number of these small coins that you have to collect and then the hassle of exchanging them for larger tender or even finding a place where they accept these small coins is just not worth it. But thats just personal opinion.

Ramzanali Shaikh

Apr 10, 2011 12:27

i do belive that every customer has a right to get his money back,i mean the change, if retailers donot forfit the change or the fils then why should the customer forfit. i belive the UAE consumers should be made aware of this, every fil is necessary and important. i am really greatful to the person and Gulf News who have highlighted this important matter and i would highly recomend all the consumers to please ask for your rights as these are small thing which lead to major problems in future.

JJ

Apr 10, 2011 12:28

Thanks, Gulfnews. These are the real problems faced by common man. I really appreciate your article, and looking forward to see more such items. It's not only in super/hyper market, but some sales person at petrol pumps also do the same. They stop the oil nostril at currency fraction saying the tank is ful, and round off the payment to their favour. People need awareness. Never let a hard earned penny lose fear of losing our esteem. People must understand that those people are exploiting our low self esteem, infact.

Keith

Apr 10, 2011 12:28

I didn't even know that 10fils and 5 fils coins existed and i have been living here for just about 3 years!!!

Malinson Fernandes

Apr 10, 2011 12:32

I must say Al Maya group of supermarkets have always amazed me , by giving me back 25 fils when i need to get only 10 or 15 fils back , which most retailers dont even bother.

Manish

Apr 10, 2011 12:38

The problem with Taxi drivers is worse. They do not return 25 fils or 50 fils change unless asked. They often grudge about returning the change even if they have - giving excuse that they they have to work 10 to 12 hours to meet their huge targets. They often get sympathy from passengers and are excused to keep the change. Their grievances may be true, but so are the grievances of passengers. The authorities need to investigate.

joe

Apr 10, 2011 12:39

It's not only supermarkets but exchanges who round off fils above 50 fils to the next dirham. For example Dh151.51 customers have to pay Dh152.

Abdul Jaleel MV Pallipparamba

Apr 10, 2011 12:42

Not only 10 fils, even 25 fils! Some supermarkets offer Chewing Gum instead of 25 fils.

Suhail Akhtar

Apr 10, 2011 12:42

Well I always use credit or debit cards for purchasing from supermarkets. Why should I hand over the hard earned money? A single fil to somebody else and especially to these supermarkets who are anyway making huge profits. There have been chances that the salesman try to act smart by deducting the round figure from my cards, but I immediately stop them and tell them to correct it.

Aftab Haider

Apr 10, 2011 12:46

The simple solution is to pay via credit card. You cannot be charged extra!!!

sara

Apr 10, 2011 12:56

I agree with Norman.
If it's ok for the customer to pay extra, then it should be ok for us to pay less to the retailer!

Arun Sivaparasad

Apr 10, 2011 12:57

Only after reading this article I came to know that 5 and 10 fils are on board. And the most worst thing is that I have been living here for the past two years. Anyway, thanks for such an informative article.

Raza

Apr 10, 2011 12:58

This is a petty good article and all are going through this very much. Even in Al quoz leading chain of supermarkets are not giving the balance 25 fils and are giving chocolates, which don't even have the value to be in the trash bin. And we can't question it. It has to be eradicated

K.P. MUHAMMAD

Apr 10, 2011 1:05

In Abu Dhabi only Abu Dhabi Co-operative and Society give away the balance of 5 and 10 fils and accept the same. All others are cheating the customers by not giving or accepting 5 and 10 fils.

Preety

Apr 10, 2011 1:05

Thank you, Gulf News!! This is an intellectual, useful artical that can benefit the whole community and the direction to the authorities to develope consumer rights policies. You have shown such a wise calculation of an ordinary man losing his hard earned money so easily and people who own these super stores to be in competition to be in top of the list of richest people in world by taking away extra 5, 10, 20 fills from their customers' pocket. Isn't it strange!

sharon

Apr 10, 2011 1:09

I have been shopping from certain supermarkets, but never received fils from them. Instead when I get bills like 60 fils they always charge 75 wherein customers always loose 15 fils, and when demanding for your fils cashiers always give this hideous look on their face. I think people should review these supermarkets since they tend to overprice their items as well, compare with other supermarkets.

Shuja Ali

Apr 10, 2011 1:12

It's really grate news that from now all people's hard earned money will not be in vain, rather it will be back to you.
Thanks to all higher authorities and all other persons who brought this mater to notice.
I was a resident of Dubai for three years and I LOVE MY DUBAI and miss my favourite country and city where I lived and worked for three years.
Thanks
BR,
Shuja Ali

salil

Apr 10, 2011 1:14

Five and ten fils coins are avilable enough. Need clarification from authorities.

Aziz

Apr 10, 2011 1:21

I do not mind leaving 5, 10 or 20 fils and I have never bothered so far. But now i have to. I want to have these 5, 10 and 20 fils coin. I collect currency. Thanks for those people who commented and mentioned where these are available in Abu Dhabi. I am excited!

M Deen

Apr 10, 2011 1:29

Thanks Gulf News for the valuable advise.
It is not only 10 fils. In capital many supermarkets round to nearest dirham, even for payment by credit card. Most cahiers do not respect customers. So, customers ignore asking the question “Why?”
Though there are many agencies to protect customer rights still it is the very minimum customer get from them.

Shirin

Apr 10, 2011 1:29

The only time I have got my balance back correctly was when I shopped from Abu Dhabi Co-operative. To be frank, my husband and I were suprised.

Mohammed

Apr 10, 2011 1:31

I have had the same experience. Once I purchased some soft drinks and snacks from a fuel station. The cashier simply rounde my total bill. When i asked for 25 fils she told me she didn't have change. Then I told her it is not my problem and I told her to call her supervisor. Also, I gave a small caclulation: 100 customers a day = Dh25; 25x100 outlet = Dh2,500; 2,500x 1 yrear = Dh912,500. Where you accounting this amount? Finally I got my balance of 25 fils.

Harish

Apr 10, 2011 1:34

I never even knew that 5 fils and 10 fils coins existed here in the UAE. But the authorities should find a solution for this menace. The consumers should no be overcharged.

Raf

Apr 10, 2011 1:35

Being born and brought up here, I never knew that 5 and 10 fils even existed. Never got the change from any mall or supermarket. Thanks for letting me know about it. Since its small change I actually don't bother as well.

Eugenia

Apr 10, 2011 1:37

Every 5 and 10 fils makes a lot of difference for a normal earning person. If counted, you could buy something with it at the end of the month. Groceries and supermarkets don't give out 5, 10 or 25 fils even if they have. But if you don't have that denominations they take the full amount. So the groceries and supermarkets are in profit and we, who earn the hard way out for every single penny, are at a loss.

Nath

Apr 10, 2011 1:44

This is a shocker. I have been in the UAE for almost four months now. I thought the UAE never had 5 or 10 fils coins. I never received 5 or 10 fils change so far.

Gandhi

Apr 10, 2011 1:56

I am working with big retail chain in the UAE in accounts for four years. No one will make this much money from this difference. This article is good to read, but praticially it will not work and you make to pay more cost than benefits.

Ali Jaddy

Apr 10, 2011 2:02

A simple solution for everyone involved is to advise the markets, all outlets and hotels to make prices in denominations which can be easily refunded! What is Dh9.95? Make it Dh10.00 or 9.75! Maybe the authorities can take the lead and make it mandatory to invoice the customers in the above way!

Aziza

Apr 10, 2011 2:07

I knew about the 10 fils when I came here to the UAE in 2003 and at that time I ahd just seen them at one place in Al Ain where they used to return the exact change of your bill. After I shifted to Dubai I never saw any of the supermarkets and hypermarkets returning you 5 fils or 10 fils. I thought maybe the authorities have stopped this 5 fils and 10 fils, that is why they don't return our exact change back or else I am such a person sometimes I don't leave a penny when it comes to our hard earn money. This is really great to know that someone has raised their voice against this and I totally support this of asking your exact change back. And I really hate those who just want to leave their change just because they don't bother and because of this kind of people the others have to suffer.

Ihsan

Apr 10, 2011 2:14

Charity organisations can use this opportunity along with the assistant of relevantauthorities to collecet this 5 Fils and 10 Fils. Charity organisations should issue small tickets to all supermarkets. Supermarkets should issue these tickets to the customers for these 5, 10 and 15 fils. At the end of month, charity organiastions can collect total amount from the supermarkets. I feel this will be a good option.

Ben

Apr 10, 2011 2:15

Use your credit card and avoid the problem

Vijay

Apr 10, 2011 2:28

What Kamal Vachani of Al Maya said is not true. I have purchased many times from this market in Naseer square and I never got my exact change back. They just round off to next 25 fils.

Namrata

Apr 10, 2011 2:28

Many times the bills are rounded off, saying balance will be transfered to charity account of shop. Not sure if it happens though.

Parvez

Apr 10, 2011 2:48

Yes, Abu Dhabi Co-operative always gives back those changes in 10 and 5 fils accurately. Role model for others.

Sabith PV

Apr 10, 2011 3:06

The selling price is decided by sellers. I think no need to raise up this issue. It will not help customers becasue sellers may round goods prices to next 25 fils and avoid such problem at the counter. If they (sellers) rounded selling price, of course they will round up. It means we are going to pay rounded amount for each item which we purchase. For example, if we purchased 10 items then we will pay aproximate Dh1 extra. So, it is better to avoid discussion about 10 fils of customers. If I am a customer, leave 10 fils with positive attitude. Let sellers spend such extra collected amount in moral ways.

Kiran Karkera

Apr 10, 2011 3:40

I worked for 14 months in Dubai [2005-6] and later was transfed to Abu Dhabi. When I saw the gold coloured coins of 5 and 10 fils, I was shocked and thought that I won some gift coupons from the Abu Dhabi Co-Op. Later I realized, that's my exact change. I never saw those in Dubai.

MK

Apr 10, 2011 3:46

Thank you, Gulfnews! This article is quite interesting. I am here for the past 3 years. I thought the UAE didn't have 5 and 10 fils as I haven't seen one to date. I have never ever got my exact change from the supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Sridhar

Apr 10, 2011 3:50

WE MUST USE ONLY PLASTIC AS PAYMENT METHOD.

Mathew K Isaac

Apr 10, 2011 4:18

The fraction of Dirhams which cannot be given back or asked seems to be like pricing with "catch for the customer". In terms of shouting aloud that the price is less than 10, which is like double digits and values more in terms of value, but the same looks better priced, if the value shown is 9,95. This is now a practice with majority of retailers. But who asks back the change these days? I asked once and was looked at as "out of the present generation", so have given up. It is ideal if all are charged exact to the fils and without rounding off, as it is adding up additional burden on the total bill.

Saba Aizaz

Apr 10, 2011 4:27

Even I have being cheated out of 5 and 10 fils, not to mention 20 fils. I knew of the existance of these coins, but malls always issue a statement that they don't have change. So now I don't ask. I wonder how many dirhams they have cheated the customers with and gotten away with it? Thank you for highlighting this issue and reminding me to start asking for my change.

Syed N Ali

Apr 10, 2011 4:29

I raised this shortchange issue in 1993 in Dubai and got confused and mixed responses from retailers and I am glad at last Gulf News covered the story and sadly still the retailers are mixed and confused.

keza

Apr 10, 2011 4:37

I guess in most of the supermarkets and hypermarkets people don't count the fils. All those fils even the cashier is not allowed to take and moreover if one item cost you Dh10 and 10 fils, I don't see a single cashier deducting Dh10 and 25 fils. The cashier collects only Dh10, but I see a wrong notion to the customer who count in fils. Shame on you.

Om

Apr 10, 2011 4:39

I am here for the past 10 years and I have never seen 5 or 10 fils denominations. All supermarkets cheat the customers by rounding off the small balance and they keep it in their till. Who gave them this authority? Will they accept it if I pay the same 15 fils or 30 fils less for the bill?
I used to fight at every store almost weekly for this issue. My wife said that I am the only person in this country who fights everytime I go shopping. Now I realise that there are more people like me.
My money is always for me. This is a kind of daylight robbery and you come ourtsheepishly and ignore it.
Let us raise this issue through facebook and Twitter and make supermarkets and hypermarkets do their service properly.

Mughis Ahmed

Apr 10, 2011 4:42

Retailers are pocketing this money for nothing. If we calculate the net value based on the volume of retail operations in the UAE, it would be hundreds of thousands of dirhams per week. Some regulatory authority intervention is desired.

Ali

Apr 10, 2011 4:52

The strategy of pricing goods just short of a rounded off figure started due to a coin shortage years ago (in the west) and has just caught on as a habit even now. However, the practise of not returning change to the last fil is something businesses need to correct. The customer is on the losing end. As always! In the Subcontinent this is made good by offering a toffee in place of the smaller currency coin (the toffee no doubt being of far lower value than what is due back). Ss rightly put, most businesses must be making quite a packet with this concept of rounding off to the last 25 fils, with the customer always getting less than his or her due.

Chander Bangera

Apr 10, 2011 4:52

Till now we (buyers) were unaware that this meager amount (which is our right to claim back) runs into millions. Even if we are aware, we don't mind claiming it back as we are so much engrossed in our daily routine, chores and personal commitments. These intermediates indeed cash in huge sums of money, which is going unnoticed. It seems that the pricing system of items is done deliberately in such a way that retailers can always give an excuse to consumers on unavailability of exact change and consumers end up with an option to forgo, treating it as a mere amount. Authorities should look into this and set proper pricing systems based on the denomination of currency existing in the economy. Based on consumers interest, a regulatory system needs to be formed to monitor this misappropriation consistently. Consumers please beware.

abdul jaleel

Apr 10, 2011 4:53

Yes, the authorities can't stop this matter?
10.95, 7.85, 6.15

jena

Apr 10, 2011 5:00

I think supermarkets or any other stores should provide and give back the exact change to the consumer so the consumer can use those fils for the item they will purchase in other store. That will probably help both consumers and retailers.

Ajay P A

Apr 10, 2011 5:14

I didn't even know until now that 10 fils prevail in market. I was of the belief that the smallest coin was 25 fils. OMG, how much hard earned money I have lost?

Huzaifa

Apr 10, 2011 5:34

In my opinion, there are lots of other serious issues to be addressed. If the person is really intrested in getting the exact change back, better keep some 5, 10, 25 and 50 fills in their pocket so they can offer round off their transactions. This issue simply seems to be media hype.

Sreejesh

Apr 10, 2011 5:38

I have experienced this issue many times. Then I have decided to use only debit or credit cards for purchases. Sometimes for small purchases I pay cash and loose 5 to 20 fils.
I disagree with Mr. Kamal Vachani, Group Director at Al Maya's statement. On many occasions they haev charged me more than the bill amount due to non availability of 5 or 10 fils. On one occasion I have asked the cashier at a store in Reef mall, Deira to return my 15 fils. She said sorry sir, we do not have 5 and 10 fils and she offered me 25 fils.
It is a good idea, having 5 and 10 fils coins at every outlet so the customer will get back his exact balance.